About the Project
What is Arthur Kill Terminal?
Arthur Kill Terminal (AKT) is a proposed 32-acre heavy lift marine terminal under development in Staten Island, New York. Over the next several decades, AKT will be essential for the construction of gigawatts of offshore wind projects serving New York and the region. The project is committed to "buy american", using union labor, and will result in thousands of local jobs and hundreds of millions of investment in New York's maritime infrastructure.
Arthur Kill Terminal (AKT) is a proposed 32-acre heavy lift marine terminal under development in Staten Island, New York. Over the next several decades, AKT will be essential for the construction of gigawatts of offshore wind projects serving New York and the region. The project is committed to "buy american", using union labor, and will result in thousands of local jobs and hundreds of millions of investment in New York's maritime infrastructure.
Why is Arthur Kill Terminal being built at the chosen location?
Arthur Kill Terminal will be built at the only site in New York Harbor and the broader New York Bight region that can meet unique requirements of the offshore wind industry for channel access, berth length, laydown area, reinforcement, and unrestricted overhead clearance out to sea. AKT has conducted a rigorous analysis of potential site alternatives over a four year period and there simply are no suitable alternatives in the region for this kind of port facility.
Arthur Kill Terminal will be built at the only site in New York Harbor and the broader New York Bight region that can meet unique requirements of the offshore wind industry for channel access, berth length, laydown area, reinforcement, and unrestricted overhead clearance out to sea. AKT has conducted a rigorous analysis of potential site alternatives over a four year period and there simply are no suitable alternatives in the region for this kind of port facility.
What cargo will be handled at Arthur Kill Terminal?
Arthur Kill Terminal is designed to support the staging and assembly of the majority of offshore wind components, including the wind turbine towers, blades, and nacelles (the generators placed on top of the towers to which the blades are attached) and by meeting the most challenging requirements for the handling of wind turbines, AKT is also able to handle offshore wind foundations, including monopiles, jackets, and transition pieces. AKT can also support the in-port assembly of wind turbines onto other types of offshore wind foundations, including gravity-based structures (GBS), self-installing and floating foundations.
Arthur Kill Terminal is designed to support the staging and assembly of the majority of offshore wind components, including the wind turbine towers, blades, and nacelles (the generators placed on top of the towers to which the blades are attached) and by meeting the most challenging requirements for the handling of wind turbines, AKT is also able to handle offshore wind foundations, including monopiles, jackets, and transition pieces. AKT can also support the in-port assembly of wind turbines onto other types of offshore wind foundations, including gravity-based structures (GBS), self-installing and floating foundations.
How long with Arthur Kill Terminal be used to support wind farm construction?
AKT is expected to be needed to support as much as 15 GW of offshore wind energy construction over the next 25 years, if not longer. Offshore wind farm main components, such as the turbines, typically have a design life of 25-30 years, so it is anticipated that every 25-30 years these wind farms will be retroffited with new wind turbines, which will require staging ports for their assembly and deployment. AKT is also well positioned to support major maintenance of any main components over the operational lives of offshore wind projects.
AKT is expected to be needed to support as much as 15 GW of offshore wind energy construction over the next 25 years, if not longer. Offshore wind farm main components, such as the turbines, typically have a design life of 25-30 years, so it is anticipated that every 25-30 years these wind farms will be retroffited with new wind turbines, which will require staging ports for their assembly and deployment. AKT is also well positioned to support major maintenance of any main components over the operational lives of offshore wind projects.
How large are the offshore wind components to be handled at Arthur Kill Terminal?
The main components that make up offshore wind turbines weigh between 200 and 1400 tons and the wind turbine towers exceed 100 meters in height when fully assembled. Because wind turbines continue to scale in size and efficiency, AKT is designed to handle both the current and next generations of these components, including the vessels and cranes needed to move and install them.
The main components that make up offshore wind turbines weigh between 200 and 1400 tons and the wind turbine towers exceed 100 meters in height when fully assembled. Because wind turbines continue to scale in size and efficiency, AKT is designed to handle both the current and next generations of these components, including the vessels and cranes needed to move and install them.
When will Arthur Kill Terminal be built?
The project is currently in the late stages of securing necessary state and federal approvals. The timing of construction will depend on the availability of financing but is anticipated to commence shortly following receipt of all necessary approvals.
The project is currently in the late stages of securing necessary state and federal approvals. The timing of construction will depend on the availability of financing but is anticipated to commence shortly following receipt of all necessary approvals.
Economic Impacts
What are the economic impacts of the construction and operations of Arthur Kill Terminal?
The results of an independent economic analysis show that the construction of AKT will have a positive impact of $507 million for each of the 2 years of construction. Once the port is operating, it is expected to have a positive impact each year of $150 million. A significant part of that impact will be on Staten Island. We also expect that AKT will be a magnet for other maritime-industrial investments in Staten Island and the region, contributing to hundreds, if not thousands, of additional new jobs.
The results of an independent economic analysis show that the construction of AKT will have a positive impact of $507 million for each of the 2 years of construction. Once the port is operating, it is expected to have a positive impact each year of $150 million. A significant part of that impact will be on Staten Island. We also expect that AKT will be a magnet for other maritime-industrial investments in Staten Island and the region, contributing to hundreds, if not thousands, of additional new jobs.
What local business opportunities will be created by Arthur Kill Terminal?
Arthur Kill Terminal will be a major source of new business for local suppliers and service providers in a wide variety of businesses, including in most construction disciplines. AKT will begin the process of qualifying local contractors for construction in late 2022/early 2023. AKT will prioritize contracting opportunities for local businesses in disadvantaged communities, MWBEs, SDVOBs, and DBEs.
Arthur Kill Terminal will be a major source of new business for local suppliers and service providers in a wide variety of businesses, including in most construction disciplines. AKT will begin the process of qualifying local contractors for construction in late 2022/early 2023. AKT will prioritize contracting opportunities for local businesses in disadvantaged communities, MWBEs, SDVOBs, and DBEs.
Jobs and Workforce development
How many jobs will be created by Arthur Kill Terminal?
During construction, AKT is expected to support about 600 direct on-site jobs and another 433 indirect jobs. During operations, AKT is expected to support approximately 150 direct on-site jobs and another 370 indirect jobs.
During construction, AKT is expected to support about 600 direct on-site jobs and another 433 indirect jobs. During operations, AKT is expected to support approximately 150 direct on-site jobs and another 370 indirect jobs.
Will the project be built and operated with union labor?
AKT will be built under a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) and will be leased to and operated by offshore wind companies that will be required to also enter into Project Labor Agreements. A wide variety of union trades will be employed in both the construction and operation of the port.
AKT will be built under a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) and will be leased to and operated by offshore wind companies that will be required to also enter into Project Labor Agreements. A wide variety of union trades will be employed in both the construction and operation of the port.
How does Arthur Kill Terminal support workforce development and training?
AKT will provide local workers with on-site training and experience handling, assembling, and pre-commissioning offshore wind turbines and other components for a major new industry in America. With experience at AKT, local workers will be uniquely positioned to fill tens of thousands of offshore wind installation and operations jobs to be created in the coming years: there currently are very few qualified workers on the East Coast. Arthur Kill Terminal ’s warehouse and office building will also include facilities for training specific to offshore wind construction and operations, and its visitor center will be a source of information for offshore wind opportunities in the region.
AKT will provide local workers with on-site training and experience handling, assembling, and pre-commissioning offshore wind turbines and other components for a major new industry in America. With experience at AKT, local workers will be uniquely positioned to fill tens of thousands of offshore wind installation and operations jobs to be created in the coming years: there currently are very few qualified workers on the East Coast. Arthur Kill Terminal ’s warehouse and office building will also include facilities for training specific to offshore wind construction and operations, and its visitor center will be a source of information for offshore wind opportunities in the region.
Where can I learn more about skills and training needs of the offshore wind industry?
A wide variety of disciplines are involved in offshore wind farm development, construction, and operations, and training requirements vary depending on the task. Please see https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Offshore-Wind/Focus-Areas/Supply-Chain-Economic-Development/Workforce-Development for more information. Once operational, AKT’s visitor center will be a good source for information on training relating to offshore wind jobs at AKT and elsewhere in the region.
A wide variety of disciplines are involved in offshore wind farm development, construction, and operations, and training requirements vary depending on the task. Please see https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Offshore-Wind/Focus-Areas/Supply-Chain-Economic-Development/Workforce-Development for more information. Once operational, AKT’s visitor center will be a good source for information on training relating to offshore wind jobs at AKT and elsewhere in the region.
Contributions to Clean Energy
How does Arthur Kill Terminal contribute to emissions reductions?
Most importantly, AKT will support infrastructure needs in the region. AKT is also designed with energy efficiency in mind: AKT’s warehouse is designed to achieve LEED gold certification, and the port will contain on-site solar energy, battery storage, and electric vehicle charging. The port will support the use of electrified port equipment and is designed to be able to provide berthed vessels with shorepower rather than use their engines for power while in port.
Most importantly, AKT will support infrastructure needs in the region. AKT is also designed with energy efficiency in mind: AKT’s warehouse is designed to achieve LEED gold certification, and the port will contain on-site solar energy, battery storage, and electric vehicle charging. The port will support the use of electrified port equipment and is designed to be able to provide berthed vessels with shorepower rather than use their engines for power while in port.
Social Benefits
How does Arthur Kill Terminal support economic and workforce development initiatives?
Arthur Kill Terminal will support the training, education, employment, economic benefit, and advancement of disadvantaged communities, youth, students, and job seekers by:
■ Working with union labor organizations and local environmental justice organizations in the design and implementation of the project’s Project Labor Agreement (PLA) for construction.
■ Providing construction and maritime-related education opportunities to students, community organizations and the general public
■ Supporting the efforts of workforce development organizations involved in the training of workers from disadvantaged communities by providing guidance and information on the offshore wind sector and related educational opportunities.
■ Providing on-site facilities for safety training and lectures on relevant topics.
■ Directly recruiting personnel from local disadvantaged communities to participate in the management and performance of the construction and operation of AKT.
■ By requiring AKT’s construction contractors to meet rigorous standards for the inclusion of MWDBEs and SDVOBs, apprentices, and other disadvantaged businesses and workers.
Arthur Kill Terminal will support the training, education, employment, economic benefit, and advancement of disadvantaged communities, youth, students, and job seekers by:
■ Working with union labor organizations and local environmental justice organizations in the design and implementation of the project’s Project Labor Agreement (PLA) for construction.
■ Providing construction and maritime-related education opportunities to students, community organizations and the general public
■ Supporting the efforts of workforce development organizations involved in the training of workers from disadvantaged communities by providing guidance and information on the offshore wind sector and related educational opportunities.
■ Providing on-site facilities for safety training and lectures on relevant topics.
■ Directly recruiting personnel from local disadvantaged communities to participate in the management and performance of the construction and operation of AKT.
■ By requiring AKT’s construction contractors to meet rigorous standards for the inclusion of MWDBEs and SDVOBs, apprentices, and other disadvantaged businesses and workers.
What are the Project's plans for the Cole House?
AKT plans to renovate the Cole House into a visitor center where the public can learn more about the terminal and various training and employment opportunities. The visitor center will include an outdoor deck where the public can observe activities within the terminal, and the first floor will be devoted to exhibitions, lectures, presentations, training, and arts, educational, and other community-oriented uses. The port owner will use the second floor as offices.
AKT plans to renovate the Cole House into a visitor center where the public can learn more about the terminal and various training and employment opportunities. The visitor center will include an outdoor deck where the public can observe activities within the terminal, and the first floor will be devoted to exhibitions, lectures, presentations, training, and arts, educational, and other community-oriented uses. The port owner will use the second floor as offices.
Impacts on Staten Island
What are the project's impacts to wetlands and plans for mitigation of that impact?
Construction of Arthur Kill Terminal will require filling approximately 3.3 acres of freshwater wetlands and 10 acres of tidal wetlands. Based on extensive environmental studies, it is clear that the designated freshwater wetlands are solely the result of drainage from Arthur Kill Road and adjacent properties and are of very low quality and filled with invasive species. The tidal wetlands are also considered low quality with little submerged vegetation or habitat. The area between the bulkhead and Arthur Kill channel will also need be dredged to provide a safe area for vessel access but this work will be performed according to best management practices and any impacts to fish habitat would be temporary and/or fully mitigated. To satisfy its obligation to mitigate the unavoidable impact on the wetlands, AKT is well underway in identifying several sites on Staten Island where AKT will restore, create and/or enhance important freshwater and tidal wetlands and fish habitats. The exact scope and location of this work has yet to be finalized with the government agencies but the full details on the mitigation program will be made publicly available.
Construction of Arthur Kill Terminal will require filling approximately 3.3 acres of freshwater wetlands and 10 acres of tidal wetlands. Based on extensive environmental studies, it is clear that the designated freshwater wetlands are solely the result of drainage from Arthur Kill Road and adjacent properties and are of very low quality and filled with invasive species. The tidal wetlands are also considered low quality with little submerged vegetation or habitat. The area between the bulkhead and Arthur Kill channel will also need be dredged to provide a safe area for vessel access but this work will be performed according to best management practices and any impacts to fish habitat would be temporary and/or fully mitigated. To satisfy its obligation to mitigate the unavoidable impact on the wetlands, AKT is well underway in identifying several sites on Staten Island where AKT will restore, create and/or enhance important freshwater and tidal wetlands and fish habitats. The exact scope and location of this work has yet to be finalized with the government agencies but the full details on the mitigation program will be made publicly available.
Will noise from construction or operations disturb surrounding residents or businesses?
Noise from construction is not expected to significantly disturb the neighborhood. The Project is located in an industrial-zoned area away from nearby residents. Construction noise impacts will vary over the approximately two year construction period: There will at times be truck traffic for material hauling, site work with heavy machinery and dredging and other marine construction activities but this is not expected to disturb people who live or work in the area. Operational noise will vary and may arise from the use of cranes, vessels, forklifts and other equipment and vessels at the wharf. It is not expected that noise from these activities would be disruptive to the surrounding neighborhood.
Noise from construction is not expected to significantly disturb the neighborhood. The Project is located in an industrial-zoned area away from nearby residents. Construction noise impacts will vary over the approximately two year construction period: There will at times be truck traffic for material hauling, site work with heavy machinery and dredging and other marine construction activities but this is not expected to disturb people who live or work in the area. Operational noise will vary and may arise from the use of cranes, vessels, forklifts and other equipment and vessels at the wharf. It is not expected that noise from these activities would be disruptive to the surrounding neighborhood.
How will the construction and operations of Arthur Kill Terminal affect the road traffic in the area?
During construction there will be some increase in road traffic along Arthur Kill Road. However, at the beginning of the construction process a new lane will be added to a portion of Arthur Kill Road adjacent to the port entry that will provide construction vehicles a turning lane into the site, which will minimize construction related traffic impacts. During operations, Arthur Kill Terminal will have minimal traffic impacts. Only a few trucks per day are expected as nearly all of the components for the wind turbines will be delivered to the site by vessel.
During construction there will be some increase in road traffic along Arthur Kill Road. However, at the beginning of the construction process a new lane will be added to a portion of Arthur Kill Road adjacent to the port entry that will provide construction vehicles a turning lane into the site, which will minimize construction related traffic impacts. During operations, Arthur Kill Terminal will have minimal traffic impacts. Only a few trucks per day are expected as nearly all of the components for the wind turbines will be delivered to the site by vessel.
WIll Arthur Kill Terminal's lights impact neighboring businesses and residents?
The Project's lighting system is designed to be state of the art and to direct light onto the Project site and away from nearby properties. The lighting system is also designed to avoid glare for drivers on Outerbridge Crossing.
The Project's lighting system is designed to be state of the art and to direct light onto the Project site and away from nearby properties. The lighting system is also designed to avoid glare for drivers on Outerbridge Crossing.
Will operations at Arthur Kill Terminal impact air quality in the neighborhood?
Port operations will involve the use of vessels, cranes, forklifts, self-propelled modular transports (SPMTs) and other industrial equipment, much of which is currently powered by diesel engines. AKT is designed to include electrical service sufficient to power much, if not all, of this equipment once electrified vessels and port equipment become more readily available. Nevertheless, air quality impacts from diesel equipment have been analyzed as part of the project's permitting process, and fumes and air quality issues are expected to be insignificant.
Port operations will involve the use of vessels, cranes, forklifts, self-propelled modular transports (SPMTs) and other industrial equipment, much of which is currently powered by diesel engines. AKT is designed to include electrical service sufficient to power much, if not all, of this equipment once electrified vessels and port equipment become more readily available. Nevertheless, air quality impacts from diesel equipment have been analyzed as part of the project's permitting process, and fumes and air quality issues are expected to be insignificant.
What are the visual impacts of Arthur Kill Terminal?
Buildings, lights, and parking areas are designed to fit in with the surrounding area and should not present any significant visual impacts. Visual impacts associated with the use of the terminal will vary both in duration and dimension but will be temporary.
Buildings, lights, and parking areas are designed to fit in with the surrounding area and should not present any significant visual impacts. Visual impacts associated with the use of the terminal will vary both in duration and dimension but will be temporary.
How will port operations impact vessel traffic in the region?
Arthur Kill Terminal is designed to enable safe passage of vessels accessing and departing the port. Although impacts will vary by vessel type and operation, based on detailed analyses of current and historical vessel traffic on the Arthur Kill and the anticipated use of the port by offshore wind vessels, the addition of the offshore wind vessel traffic will have an insignificant impact on navigation between the Arthur Kill Channel and Atlantic Ocean. Arthur Kill Channel is less frequently transited than Ambrose Channel by large ships, making it an ideal waterway for the transit of offshore wind vessels. By providing opportunities for purpose-built wind turbine installation vessels ships to carry multiple sets of components per trip, Arthur Kill Terminal can reduce the overall number of vessel trips required to perform offshore wind construction work in the region.
Arthur Kill Terminal is designed to enable safe passage of vessels accessing and departing the port. Although impacts will vary by vessel type and operation, based on detailed analyses of current and historical vessel traffic on the Arthur Kill and the anticipated use of the port by offshore wind vessels, the addition of the offshore wind vessel traffic will have an insignificant impact on navigation between the Arthur Kill Channel and Atlantic Ocean. Arthur Kill Channel is less frequently transited than Ambrose Channel by large ships, making it an ideal waterway for the transit of offshore wind vessels. By providing opportunities for purpose-built wind turbine installation vessels ships to carry multiple sets of components per trip, Arthur Kill Terminal can reduce the overall number of vessel trips required to perform offshore wind construction work in the region.
Will the public have access to the waterfront at Arthur Kill Terminal?
Arthur Kill Terminal must meet rigorous requirements for safety and security so the port area will be fenced and not accessible to the public. Only authorized personnel will have access to the operational port area, which necessarily includes the waterfront.
Arthur Kill Terminal must meet rigorous requirements for safety and security so the port area will be fenced and not accessible to the public. Only authorized personnel will have access to the operational port area, which necessarily includes the waterfront.