PQM: A Game-Changing Marine Industrial Park in North Carolina
April 11, 2025 | Water sports
PQM’s Prime Waterfront Location
Perquimans Marine Industrial Park (PQM) is strategically situated on the Perquimans River along North Carolina’s Inner Banks, making it an ideal hub for boat builders, marine-related industries, and the local workforce. The park’s prime waterfront location offers direct access to Albemarle Sound and the Perquimans River, perfect for marinas, boat yards, and other marine businesses.
A Deep-Water Boat Basin and Rare Amenities
PQM features a $7 million deep-water boat basin with a width of 350 feet, spanning twice the width of a football field. The basin is designed specifically for the marine industry and offers rare and valuable amenities, including:
- A 42-foot-wide industrial boat ramp, enabling large vessel launches
- A protected dockage area, shielding boats from harsh weather
- Convenient egress, allowing seamless movement in and out of the water
- Pad ready sites for manufacturing and repair facilities
- A travel lift, a specialized metal frame on wheels designed to lift boats in and out of the water
A Strong Economic Foundation
The project has been a priority for local governments for over a decade. With the first phase completed in 2024, PQM is poised to become a major economic driver for Perquimans County. The park’s economic development is built on a solid foundation, with:
- ElectriCities of North Carolina’s “Smart Site” designation, indicating the site’s readiness for development
- Lower taxes, affordable labor, and cost-effective electricity, making North Carolina a business-friendly climate for manufacturers
- A decade-long effort to revitalize Perquimans County’s economy by attracting marine and marine-adjacent industries
A Model for Success: Wanchese Marine Industrial Park
The concept for PQM was inspired by the success of Wanchese Marine Industrial Park, located 80 miles to the south on Roanoke Island. Opened in 1981, Wanchese began with 50 acres of land, a 15-acre man-made basin, and dedicated water/wastewater systems. Today, its buildings range in size from 3,200 to 30,000 square feet.
“No one else is digging an upland basin—probably because of the upfront costs and extensive permitting requirements. But the Perquimans basin is fully permitted, and Phase 1 of the basin is complete,” says Bob Peele, Director of the Wanchese Marine Industrial Park. “The interest we’ve seen already will easily justify the investment in further expanding the basin.”
PQM’s Unique Advantages
Beyond its infrastructure and accessibility, PQM boasts natural advantages, including:
- Of the 16.5-acre basin project, the first 4.5 acres have been completed, featuring:
- 1,100 feet of bulkheaded shoreline (700 feet on one side, and 400 on the other)
- Roads, reliable power, water, and sewer infrastructure that are fully operational
Replicating Wanchese’s Success
PQM’s economic development is built on a solid foundation, with the potential to replicate Wanchese’s success. “Wanchese contributes approximately $103 million annually to North Carolina’s economy—an impact Perquimans County hopes to replicate,” says Ritchie Howell, Owner of Ritchie Howell Yachts, a custom sportfishing boat manufacturer and tenant at Wanchese.
A Bright Future for PQM
There is no fixed number of available lots, as space needs vary by manufacturer. However, all Phase 1 sites are available immediately. For more information, contact:
- Contact Information:
- W. Frank Heath, III, Perquimans County Manager
- Ph: 252-426-8484
- E-mail: frankheath@perquimanscountync.gov
- Web: www.electricities.com/smart-sites/hertford-n-c/
With its prime waterfront location, deep-water boat basin, and rare amenities, Perquimans Marine Industrial Park is poised to become a major economic driver for Perquimans County. Its economic development is built on a solid foundation, with the potential to replicate Wanchese’s success. A bright future awaits PQM, with available lots and a range of amenities making it an attractive destination for marine businesses.
Conclusion
The future of PQM is bright, with a solid foundation, prime waterfront location, and a range of amenities making it an attractive destination for marine businesses. With its deep-water boat basin and rare amenities, PQM is poised to become a major economic driver for Perquimans County, replicating the success of Wanchese Marine Industrial Park. As the park continues to develop, it is clear that PQM will play a key role in the region’s economy and maritime industry. Note: The rewritten article maintains the original content, structure, and tone, but is presented in a more detailed and engaging format, incorporating HTML elements to enhance readability and visual appeal.
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