Overview of Skanska’s Major Contract
Skanska, a leading Sweden-based construction and development firm, has secured an $861 million contract for the transformation of the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal (SBMT) into a premier offshore wind port in the United States. This redevelopment is pivotal for the Empire Wind 1 project, aimed at establishing a significant infrastructure for offshore wind energy.
Strategic Role of South Brooklyn Marine Terminal
The 73-acre marine terminal, located in Brooklyn, New York, is set to become a central operational hub for the Empire Wind 1 project. This initiative is the first of two planned offshore wind facilities, intended to enhance the reception, storage, and pre-assembly of turbine components necessarydredging for offshore wind energy generation.
Future-Proofing New York’s Energy Infrastructure
Upon completion, the redeveloped terminal will serve as the main maintenance and operational base for the offshore wind farm, ensuring the efficient integration of generated wind power into New York City’s electrical grid via the Gowanus Substation. Designed with scalability in mind, the facility will accommodate future expansions and serve additional offshore wind projects along the East Coast.
Extensive Construction and Engineering Efforts
The redevelopment, led by Norwegian energy giant Equinor, encompasses a broad range of construction and engineering tasks. Skanska’s role includes demolishing existing structures, enhancing ground stability for turbine staging, and installing essential underground utilities and dual heavy-lift crane pads. Additional tasks involve substantial marine and waterfront improvements, such as dredging, bulkhead reinforcement, and the installation of new docking facilities.
Construction of Operational Facilities
Moreover, Skanska is set to construct an 85,000-square-foot operations building that will include warehouse space, offices, and parking areas. This facility is designed to support both the construction phase and ongoing operations of the Empire Wind project, highlighting the project’s long-term operational goals.
Community Impact and Job Creation
In a groundbreaking development for Equinor, a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) was finalized in March with the Building & Construction Trades Council of Greater New York and Vicinity. This first-of-its-kind PLA for Equinor is expected to create 1,000 unionized construction jobs and apprenticeships, providing substantial economic benefits to local communities in New York.
Conclusion
This strategic initiative not only positions Skanska at the forefront of offshore wind development but also significantly contributes to New York’s renewable energy capacity and economic development through job creation and infrastructure improvement. The SBMT transformation is a critical step in advancing New York’s position as a leader in sustainable energy solutions.