A New Era for Brooklyn’s Working Waterfront
The Brooklyn Marine Terminal (BMT) is poised to re-emerge as a vital maritime hub, with a $3.5 billion vision plan centered on port redevelopment and modernization. Once a cornerstone of New York City’s shipping industry, the terminal has struggled with outdated infrastructure for decades. Now, city, state, and federal leaders are committing over $418 million in initial funding to jumpstart its transformation into a 60-acre, all-electric port designed for the future of logistics.
Building an All-Electric Port
At the heart of the plan is the shift toward a sustainable, all-electric maritime terminal. Outdated cranes are being removed, new equipment is on the way, and the site will be elevated to protect against rising seas. The project includes:
- Construction of a new marginal pier to promote water-to-water freight transfers.
- Deployment of a new electric ship-to-shore crane for Red Hook operations.
- Comprehensive flood resilience upgrades, including a floodwall designed to withstand a 100-year storm projected for the year 2100.
- On-site stormwater management systems to prepare for climate impacts.
Mayor Eric Adams described the project as part of a broader shift in how New York moves goods: “We’ll turn a crumbling marine terminal into a modern maritime port while creating thousands of jobs. We’ll keep New York at the front of the green economy.”
Freight Shift and the Blue Highways
The redevelopment of BMT directly ties into the city’s Blue Highways initiative, which aims to reduce truck congestion by shifting freight movement onto waterways. With a new marginal pier and upgraded port facilities, BMT will act as a key node in the harbor network, enabling more efficient container transfers and taking pressure off city roadways.
NYCEDC President Andrew Kimball emphasized the industry significance: “This plan positions the city as a national leader in maritime innovation with a critical node in the city’s Blue Highways network that will get trucks off our streets.”
Early Investments Already Underway
Even before the broader vision plan advances, work at the terminal has begun. The city has committed $18 million for immediate upgrades, including:
- Removal of four obsolete cranes across Piers 9A and 10.
- Pier 10 fender repairs to protect against vessel damage.
- Purchase of the port’s first all-electric ship-to-shore crane.
These measures are part of a package supported by nearly $418 million in secured funding: $80 million from the city, $65 million from the state, $164 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation (the largest port-related federal grant NYCEDC has ever received), and a $109 million city match.
Governance and Industry Engagement
To oversee redevelopment, a new Brooklyn Marine Terminal Development Corporation (BMTDC) will be formed, including city and state appointees, community representatives, and maritime stakeholders. In parallel, NYCEDC will launch a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) to solicit proposals from operators and maritime experts on optimizing the terminal’s layout, efficiency, and future uses.
The agency plans to issue a formal request for proposals for a long-term port operator by late 2026.
An Industrial Future on the Waterfront
Beyond cargo handling, the plan includes 275,000 sq. ft. of light-industrial and maritime-related space offered at discounted rents, ensuring that maritime operations remain central to Red Hook’s economy. The development also comes with a $10 million fund to support industrial businesses in the surrounding community.
Governor Kathy Hochul highlighted the significance: “This bold, $3.5 billion vision will transform the Brooklyn Marine Terminal into a modern, all-electric maritime hub… delivering good-paying jobs and infrastructure that meets the needs of the future.”
A Return to Maritime Strength
For decades, the Brooklyn waterfront’s maritime role has been in decline. With the passing of the BMT vision plan, stakeholders see an opportunity to reclaim its place in the logistics chain. As U.S. Representative Dan Goldman noted: “For the first time in two generations, the Brooklyn Marine Terminal is on track to once again become a vital and vibrant economic and maritime asset.”
