South Brooklyn Marine Terminal Takes Shape as Key to Empire Wind 1 Project

Construction is actively underway at the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal (SBMT), a sprawling 73-acre site poised to play a pivotal role in the Empire Wind 1 offshore wind farm. this ambitious $861 million project, spearheaded by the New York City Economic Advancement Corporation (NYCEDC) and Sustainable South Brooklyn Marine Terminal (SSBMT), a collaborative venture between Red Hook Terminals and Industry City, is strategically located on the Sunset Park/Greenwood Heights border, nestled between 29th and 39th Streets along 2nd Avenue’s western edge.

The SBMT is designed to serve as a central staging ground and assembly point for the wind farm’s massive turbine components. Crucially, it will also house a substation, facilitating the direct connection of the generated wind power to New York City’s power grid, marking a notable step towards renewable energy integration.

Current Construction Status

Recent site observations reveal substantial progress:

• An array of steel pilings is clustered near the site’s southwest corner, indicating foundational work.
• A multi-story, steel-framed superstructure is rising on the eastern end, suggesting the development of key operational buildings.
• Excavators and various heavy machinery are actively engaged across the development area, signaling a full-scale construction effort.

Key Milestones and Stakeholders

A groundbreaking ceremony held in May marked a significant milestone,attended by prominent figures including New York City Mayor Eric Adams,Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10),NYSERDA president and CEO Doreen Harris,UPROSE executive director Elizabeth Yeampierre,and Equinor Renewables Americas president Molly Morris. The project benefits from financial support through the New York City Industrial Development Agency (NYCIDA).

Empire Wind 1 is a collaborative effort between Norway-based Equinor and UK-based bp. It’s poised to be the frist offshore wind farm directly connected to New York City’s power grid. The onshore substation at SBMT will channel 810 megawatts to the Gowanus substation. With 54 turbines, Empire Wind 1 is projected to power 500,000 New York homes.

The SBMT will also house Empire Wind 1’s long-term Operations and Maintenance Base, featuring a control room for continuous turbine data monitoring.

Terminal Enhancements

Construction involves several key enhancements to the terminal:

• Dredging of existing and new berths.
• Upgrading bulkheads, site lighting, and security systems.
• Installation of two heavy-lift crane pads.
• Construction of an 85,000-square-foot operations building with warehouse, office, and parking facilities, complete with photovoltaic panels and electric vehicle charging stations.

Accessibility and Timeline

The SBMT is accessible via the D, N, R, and W subway lines at the 36th Street station on 4th Avenue.

The anticipated completion date for the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal is summer 2026. the project is creating over 1,000 union jobs.

The South Brooklyn Marine Terminal represents a crucial investment in renewable energy infrastructure for New York City. As construction progresses, the terminal promises to become a vital hub for the Empire Wind 1 project, delivering clean energy and economic benefits to the region. Keep an eye on further developments as we approach the summer 2026 completion date; the transition to renewable energy is accelerating!

How will the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal minimize potential disruptions to local marine life during construction and operation?

South Brooklyn Marine Terminal: Powering New York with Renewable Energy – An Interview

Interview with Anya Sharma, Lead Project Engineer at SSBMT

The South Brooklyn Marine Terminal (SBMT) is rapidly taking shape as a vital hub for the Empire Wind 1 project. To understand the complexities and potential of this transformative initiative,we spoke with Anya Sharma,Lead Project Engineer at Sustainable South Brooklyn Marine Terminal (SSBMT).

Interviewer: Anya, thank you for joining us. Can you give us an overview of your role at SSBMT and how you’re involved in the Empire Wind 1 project?

anya Sharma: Thank you for having me. As Lead Project Engineer, I oversee the technical aspects of the SBMT progress, ensuring the terminal is equipped to handle the massive turbine components for Empire Wind 1.This includes coordinating the dredging, bulkhead upgrades, construction of the heavy-lift crane pads, and the building of the operations and maintenance base. It’s a dynamic and very rewarding role.

the Scale and Significance of SBMT for Empire Wind 1

Interviewer: The project is ambitious, costing over $861 million. What makes SBMT so crucial for the Empire Wind 1 offshore wind farm?

Anya Sharma: SBMT is essentially the gateway for the wind turbines to reach New York City. Its strategic location on the Sunset Park/Greenwood Heights border allows for efficient staging and assembly of these enormous structures. More importantly, it houses the onshore substation that will connect the generated wind power directly to the city’s existing power grid at the Gowanus substation. Without SBMT, integrating this renewable energy source would be significantly more challenging.

Navigating Construction Challenges and Timelines

Interviewer: Construction is visibly underway, as evidenced by the steel pilings and rising superstructure. What are some of the biggest engineering challenges you’re currently facing, and are you on track to meet the summer 2026 completion date?

Anya Sharma: One of the main challenges is coordinating the various construction activities to minimize disruptions and ensure safety. We’re dealing with heavy machinery, maritime operations, and complex electrical installations simultaneously. While we constantly monitor progress and proactively address potential delays, staying on schedule for a summer 2026 launch is our top priority. The entire team is dedicated to making it happen.

Community Impact and Local Job Creation

Interviewer: Beyond the environmental benefits, how will the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal benefit the local community?

Anya Sharma: The economic impact is substantial. This project is creating over 1,000 union jobs, offering local residents opportunities for skilled labor and long-term employment. Furthermore, the influx of green energy and the development of sustainable infrastructure contribute to a healthier and more resilient community. The new operations building incorporates photovoltaic panels and EV charging stations, further reinforcing our commitment to sustainable practices.

The Future of SBMT and Renewable Energy in NYC

Interviewer: Looking beyond Empire Wind 1, what is the long-term vision for the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal? Are there plans for future expansion or collaborations with other renewable energy projects?

Anya Sharma: The goal is for SBMT to become a leading hub for offshore wind energy in the northeast. We envision potential expansion opportunities to support future wind farm projects and related industries. The infrastructure we are putting in place now is designed to accommodate future growth and innovation in the renewable energy sector. We’re realy building a foundation for a greener future for New York City and beyond.

Interviewer: That’s fascinating, Anya. One final, perhaps controversial question to engage our audience: With such a large project situated in a dense urban environment, what safeguards are in place to ensure environmental protection and minimize potential impact on the surrounding marine ecosystem?

Anya Sharma: Environmental protection is paramount.We’ve implemented a complete environmental management plan that includes strict monitoring of water quality, sediment control, and noise mitigation measures. We work closely with regulatory agencies and environmental experts to ensure we adhere to the highest standards. Furthermore, we are committed to ongoing community engagement to address any concerns and ensure transparency throughout the project. We believe that sustainable development requires a balanced approach that protects both the environment and the community.

Interviewer: Anya, thank you so much for your time and insights. We appreciate you shedding light on the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal and its crucial role in New york City’s renewable energy future.

Anya Sharma: My pleasure. Thank you for the opportunity.

We Want To Hear From You

What are your thoughts on the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal and its potential impact on renewable energy adoption in New York City? Share your comments and questions below!