The New York City Public Design Commission (PDC) has granted approval for Equinor's design of the offshore wind operations and maintenance building at the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal (SBMT). This marks a significant milestone in the development of New York's first purpose-built offshore wind operations and maintenance facility, a crucial step in the rejuvenation of the historic port.
The SBMT is set to become an advanced staging facility for the 810MW Empire Wind 1 project, and construction at the port is scheduled to commence this spring. Equinor's design received the green light after substantial community engagement during the design process, ensuring that public input was considered and reflected in the final plans.
Equinor's revitalization of SBMT aims to enhance diversity in waterfront construction by creating opportunities for minority- and women-owned business enterprises, contributing to the creation of green jobs for the future.
In collaboration with BP, the NYCEDC, and the Sunset Park Task Force, Equinor established the Offshore Wind Ecosystem Fund in 2022, a $5 million clean energy community grant program 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, expressed excitement about the approval, calling it a significant milestone in the transformation of SBMT into an offshore wind hub. Muhlfelder highlighted Equinor's commitment to partnership with New York City and the Sunset Park community, aiming to revitalize the port, create new jobs, and boost the local economy while providing New Yorkers with a reliable, long-term source of renewable energy.
Melissa Román Burch, Chief Operating Officer of the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), stated that the approval is another step forward in the city's efforts to revitalize waterfront infrastructure, build a clean energy future, and generate skilled jobs for New Yorkers. The NYCEDC is dedicated to collaborating with partners to transform SBMT into one of the largest offshore wind port facilities in the nation, facilitating meaningful job creation in the clean energy sector.
SBMT, in partnership with NYCEDC and Sustainable South Brooklyn Marine Terminal, will serve as the operations and maintenance hub for Empire Wind 1, including hosting the project's onshore substation. The facility will feature low-emissions technology, with onsite solar power and electric vehicle charging stations, supporting the Empire Wind Service Operations Vessel, the first plug-in hybrid vessel for the US offshore wind industry.
