Ports on the Frontline: Protecting Rhode Island’s Economy from Rising Seas
Blue & You Series: Session 2
Rhode Island’s ports are the beating heart of our coastal economy—moving cargo through Providence, importing cars and ship building at Quonset, and landing fresh seafood in Galilee. But as sea levels rise, these critical hubs face growing risks from flooding, storm surge, and infrastructure strain.
Join local leaders, businesses, port operators, ocean experts for a conversation about how Rhode Island can adapt its working waterfronts to a changing climate using science and technology – all while balancing economic growth, community resilience, and environmental stewardship.
Attendees will hear from a panel of RI-based waterfront industry professionals and have time for Q&A and networking.
- Topher Hamblett – Executive Director of Save the Bay
- Rosemarie Fusco, PhD, AICP, WEDG Associate – Project Manager at GZA Providence
- Dr. Josh Humberston – Founder & CEO of Coastal Measures
- Chris Waterson – President & CEO of ProvPort / Waterson Terminal Services
- Ted Williams – President of Senesco Marine
The panel will be moderated by Meredith Haas, Science Communications & Digital Media Lead for Rhode Island Sea Grant and Pathways to Innovation & Entrepreneurship (PIE-D) Co-Lead for RISE-UP.
Thank you to the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce for their support.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
Port workers and operators, ship/port crew, coastal tradespeople, and community stakeholders.
WHAT TO EXPECT
- Discussion and insights related to ports and the economic impacts of sea level rise
- Exploration of / connection over common challenges and concerns
- Networking with peers and resources
COST: FREE!
Directions to Save The Bay’s Bay Center: 100 Save The Bay Drive, Providence, RI 02905
Please note: Your GPS may suggest taking Ernest Street to Johnson & Wales University’s Shipyard entrance, but that route requires a key card for entry. Be sure to access the Johnson & Wales University Harborside Campus through the main entrance on Harborside Blvd.
Directions: From Route I-95 North or South, take Exit 35 (Thurbers Avenue). Head downhill on Thurbers Avenue to US Route 1A (Allens Avenue). Turn right onto Allens Ave. Continue southbound on Allens Ave. into Cranston, where Allens Ave. becomes Narragansett Blvd. Turn left onto Harborside Blvd. at the traffic light by the Shell gas station. Follow Harborside Blvd. through the Johnson & Wales Harborside Campus. At the end of Harborside, turn right onto Save The Bay Drive. Save The Bay Drive becomes a circular, one-way roadway as you approach the Bay Center. Parking is available in four guest lots after you pass the main building. Enter the building through the main entrance.