Equinor and bp have announced that Skanska USA has been chosen as the Construction Manager for the port upgrade of the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal (SBMT). A transformative project in Southwest Brooklyn, the SBMT site will build upon its decades-long history as a staple of Brooklyn’s working waterfront by becoming an industry-leading offshore wind port for the Empire Wind and Beacon Wind projects, which are being developed off the coast of Long Island through a 50-50 partnership between Equinor and bp. Skanska’s initial involvement will be to provide pre-construction services.

The announcement was made at Equinor's Supply Chain Expo at the CUNY Graduate Center, an event focused on helping local and regional manufacturers participate in New York’s new offshore wind industry and connecting them directly with Equinor and its key suppliers.

SBMT will provide crucial infrastructure for the construction of the Empire and Beacon Wind projects, which will bring 3.3 GW of offshore wind power into New York, powering around 2 million homes. SBMT will be equipped to receive, store and pre-assemble key components for offshore wind turbines, serve as the operations and maintenance base for the wind farms, and include a substation that will serve as the point of interconnection to link the power from Empire Wind 1 into the local power grid.

“The South Brooklyn Marine Terminal will play an integral role in powering New York homes with offshore wind energy, while restoring the working waterfront of Sunset Park and creating renewable energy career opportunities. SBMT is at the heart of our offshore wind hub, and once completed, will become a leading port facility for offshore wind nationwide. Skanska has a long history of construction in the neighborhoods of our projects, Empire Wind and Beacon Wind. Together, we will collaborate in seeking to lower emissions from construction and bringing communities as well as minority and women owned business enterprises (MWBEs) into the supply chain. Equinor is excited to begin working with Skanska to transform the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal into a leading offshore wind hub for the community, New York State, and the nation,” said Molly Morris President of Equinor Wind US.

Matthias Bausenwein, bp’s senior vice president offshore wind, said: “This port upgrade allows us to keep growing good offshore wind jobs and will help position the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal as a cornerstone for New York’s expanding offshore wind industry. We’re pleased that Skanska will join us in advancing this exciting project that supports the state’s net-zero ambitions – and those of our companies.”

Skanska, a 135-year-old firm, has been in New York City since 1971 when they worked on their first US project to rebuild the New York City Subway. Since then, the United States has become the company’s single largest market. Some of their major projects in New York include the Moynihan Train Hall, the World Trade Center Oculus and the new LaGuardia Terminal B, recognized for its construction approach to sustainability and resilience from the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure. Skanska also has a long history of working with New York MWBEs and union labor and will play an integral role in creating local job opportunities during the SBMT redevelopment.

“Skanska is delighted to partner with Equinor and bp on this cutting-edge project that will provide clean energy to millions of New Yorkers and reinforces our commitment to build for a better society. Through the strength of our building and civil construction operations here in New York City, this project will play a vital role in the community, providing a significant source of sustainable and renewable energy, while enhancing supplier diversity and increasing economic activity,” said Justin Post, Senior Vice President, Skanska USA Building.

Once completed, the terminal will be one of the largest offshore wind hubs in the nation and will serve as a national model for creating an offshore wind energy hub. Construction is expected to begin in 2024.

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