The New York City Public Design Commission (PDC) has approved Equinor’s design for the offshore wind operations and maintenance building to be constructed at the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal (SBMT).
The approval from the PDC allows for advancement of New York’s first-ever purpose-built offshore wind operations and maintenance facility, marking an important step in revitalizing a working waterfront at this historic port.
SBMT is on track to become a cutting-edge staging facility for the 810MW Empire Wind 1 project.
Construction at the port is expected to begin this spring.
Equinor conducted significant community engagement during the design process to solicit input and ensure that public feedback was reflected in the final design.
SBMT’s revitalisation aims to increase diversity in waterfront construction by opening doors for minority- and women-owned business enterprises to create the green jobs of the future.
In 2022, Equinor and BP, in partnership with the NYCEDC and the Sunset Park Task Force, created the Offshore Wind Ecosystem Fund, a US$5m clean energy community grant programme designed to support sustainable growth, workforce development, empowerment of underserved communities, and climate justice in New York City’s emerging offshore wind ecosystem.
Teddy Muhlfelder, vice president for Equinor Renewables Americas, said: “The approval of the design for our operations and maintenance building at SBMT is a significant milestone in the transformation of SBMT into a hub for offshore wind and a staging area for our projects.
“Our project team worked with City officials and community leaders for over two years to incorporate their input and arrive at a building design that reflects our commitment to partnering with New York City and the Sunset Park community.
“We are excited to move forward with our efforts to revitalise this port, create new jobs, and help boost the local economy while connecting New Yorkers to a reliable, long-term source of renewable energy.”
New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) chief operating officer Melissa Román Burch added: “This approval marks another step forward in New York City’s work to revitalise our waterfront infrastructure, build a clean energy future, and create skilled jobs for New Yorkers.
“The NYCEDC is dedicated to working with our partners to transform the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal (SBMT) into one of the largest offshore wind port facilities in the nation, and pave the way for meaningful job creation in the clean energy sector.”
SBMT will serve as the operations and maintenance (O&M) hub for Empire Wind 1 and will be the site of the project’s onshore substation.
A low-emissions facility with solar power and EV charging stations installed onsite, the port will provide onshore power and charging for the Empire Wind Service Operations Vessel, the first plug-in hybrid vessel for the US offshore wind industry.
SBMT is being redeveloped together with New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) and terminal operator Sustainable South Brooklyn Marine Terminal (SSBMT). SSBMT is a joint venture of Red Hook Terminals and Industry City.