Equinor and BP have announced that Skanska USA has been chosen as the construction manager for the port upgrade of the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal (SBMT).
A transformative project in Southwest Brooklyn, the SBMT site (pictured) is set to become an industry-leading offshore wind port for the Empire Wind and Beacon Wind projects.
These are being developed off the coast of Long Island through a 50-50 partnership between Equinor and BP.
Skanska’s initial involvement will be to provide pre-construction services.
SBMT will provide crucial infrastructure for the construction of the Empire and Beacon Wind projects, which will bring 3.3GW of offshore wind power into New York, powering around 2 million homes.
SBMT will be equipped to receive, store and pre-assemble key components for offshore wind turbines, serve as the operations and maintenance base for the wind farms, and include a substation that will serve as the point of interconnection to link the power from Empire Wind 1 into the local power grid.
President of Equinor Wind US Molly Morris said: “The South Brooklyn Marine Terminal will play an integral role in powering New York homes with offshore wind energy, while restoring the working waterfront of Sunset Park and creating renewable energy career opportunities.
“SBMT is at the heart of our offshore wind hub, and once completed, will become a leading port facility for offshore wind nationwide.
“Skanska has a long history of construction in the neighborhoods of our projects, Empire Wind and Beacon Wind.
“Together, we will collaborate in seeking to lower emissions from construction and bringing communities as well as minority and women owned business enterprises (MWBEs) into the supply chain.
“Equinor is excited to begin working with Skanska to transform the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal into a leading offshore wind hub for the community, New York State, and the nation.”
Matthias Bausenwein, BP’s senior vice president offshore wind, added: “This port upgrade allows us to keep growing good offshore wind jobs and will help position the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal as a cornerstone for New York’s expanding offshore wind industry.
“We’re pleased that Skanska will join us in advancing this exciting project that supports the state’s net-zero ambitions – and those of our companies.”
Once completed, the terminal will be one of the largest offshore wind hubs in the nation and will serve as a national model for creating an offshore wind energy hub. Construction is expected to begin in 2024.