NEW HAVEN, CT — Gateway Terminal, an Enstructure-owned port facility in New Haven, Connecticut, is set to undergo a transformative shift towards sustainable operations with a $34 million injection from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Ports Program. This funding will enable Gateway to purchase and install electric-powered equipment, including gantry cranes, material handlers, and yard trucks, while also upgrading infrastructure with solar panels to support these zero-emission assets. The initiative aims to replace current diesel-operated machinery, significantly advancing Enstructure’s goal to reduce emissions across its port operations.
The neighboring New London State Pier, also managed by Gateway, is set to receive an additional $5 million to facilitate the installation of shore power capabilities. This will allow docked vessels to connect to the local electric grid for power, cutting down on diesel fuel usage during unloading and docking operations. The cumulative effort across these ports promises to bolster both Connecticut’s blue economy and environmental health.
According to Enstructure Co-CEO and Chairman Matthew Satnick, the investment will help ensure that port infrastructure and equipment align with the company’s sustainability goals, all while enhancing operational resilience and efficiency. “We are dedicated to integrating sustainable practices throughout our port operations, and this will accelerate our efforts,” Satnick said, highlighting the company’s long-term commitment to environmentally conscious practices.
Local leaders also praised the initiative as a step forward for both economic and environmental welfare. Senator Richard Blumenthal emphasized the dual benefits of reducing air pollution and modernizing port infrastructure: “This milestone investment will make our ports cleaner and healthier. Stopping air pollution while modernizing and enhancing port facilities is a gigantic win for both our environment and economy. Communities around the ports will have better air and jobs.”
The federal funding represents part of a larger $3 billion EPA initiative aimed at greening U.S. ports, which play an essential role in trade, jobs, and regional economies. EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan underscored this broader goal, stating that the funding “builds on President Biden’s vision of growing our economy while ensuring America leads in globally competitive solutions of the future. Delivering cleaner technologies and resources to U.S. ports will slash harmful air and climate pollution while protecting people who work in and live nearby ports communities.”
In addition to the heavy equipment purchases, the New Haven terminal will install supporting charging infrastructure and solar panels to keep these electric assets powered. The transition includes replacing four aging diesel-powered cranes with fully electric units, as well as deploying ten all-electric terminal tractors. This shift will help reduce Gateway Terminal’s reliance on the electric grid and minimize fossil fuel dependency, with a strong focus on enhancing air quality for residents of New Haven.
Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, a vocal supporter of the Clean Ports Program, noted the anticipated public health benefits of the investment. “These efforts will reduce their reliance on the electric grid and the need for fossil fuel dependency while greatly improving air quality for residents of the city,” she stated, applauding the program’s potential to boost both port efficiency and community wellness.
Enstructure Co-CEO and Founder Philippe de Montigny expressed gratitude to local, state, and federal supporters, including Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont and the state’s congressional representatives, whose backing has helped make this project possible. “With their support, we are improving our infrastructure in New Haven to maintain the highest standards of environmental stewardship and terminal service,” de Montigny said.
As Gateway Terminal prepares to make these environmentally conscious upgrades, the program represents a significant move toward sustainability in a historically diesel-heavy industry. The changes are expected to bring about a cleaner, more efficient port operation that benefits both the economy and the community, marking a noteworthy step in the ongoing evolution of U.S. port infrastructure.
