Empire Wind and the Building & Construction Trades Council of Greater New York and Vicinity (BCTC) have signed a workforce deal for the construction of the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal (SBMT).
This first-of-its-kind Project Labor Agreement (PLA) for Equinor is a commitment to building SBMT responsibly with the help of New York’s highly skilled union construction workforce.
The revitalised SBMT will play a key role in Equinor’s development of the Empire Wind offshore wind project as a staging and assembly site and as a home for the project’s operations and maintenance base.
The agreement will establish working standards, industry-leading safety practices, and equity in the construction of the terminal, creating over 1000 union construction jobs and apprenticeships in local New York communities, as well as thousands of indirect jobs in manufacturing, shipping and logistics.
The PLA also promotes engagement with minority- and women-owned businesses (MWBE) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (SDVOB) and includes a local hire requirement that gives priority to union members who are Section 3 New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) residents, veterans, and those who live in Sunset Park.
Molly Morris, president of Equinor Renewables Americas, said: “As the hub for Empire Wind, SBMT will play a transformational role in the development of the offshore wind industry and deliver more than renewable energy generated off New York’s shores.
“It will spur a durable new industry for the Empire State. We would like to also acknowledge Senator Chuck Schumer’s key efforts in standing with our industry and our project through turbulent economic headwinds.
“Senator Schumer’s leadership and partnership with us, along with so many others, including the Biden administration, Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams, were critical in ensuring the success of the Empire Wind project and milestones like the one we are so proud to announce today.”
Construction at SBMT is expected to begin next month, starting with the demolition of existing outbuildings, excavation of the site, and bulkhead preparation work. Contracts covered by the agreement include Skanska, GE-BOND and Nexans.
American Clean Power Association (ACP) VP for Offshore Wind Anne Reynolds said: “Project Labor Agreements are an important way to build stakeholder partnerships and advance offshore wind projects.
“These agreements bring together contractors, unions, and project developers to cooperate on local workforce development and prioritize safety and workforce training. “Additionally, Empire Wind 1 will revitalize the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal by reinvesting in a disadvantaged community.
“Congratulations to both Equinor and the Building Construction Trades Council of Greater New York.
“This PLA will benefit New York workers and shows the benefits offshore wind power projects can bring to the United States and our coastal regions.”