Ports America will invest a total of US$38.5 million to upgrade both facilities and increase capacity
By
Rebecca Gibson |
New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) has appointed Ports America to operate both the Manhattan and Brooklyn Cruise Terminals in New York City, US until 2029.
Ports America, which has managed the Manhattan terminal with NYCEDC for two decades, will now be responsible for vessel berthing and stevedoring, maintenance, parking, security, billing, and additional operations at Brooklyn Cruise Terminal too. It will also provide ancillary services, such as event management and military and yacht dockings.
Using Ports America as the operator for both terminals will lower costs and streamline operations, creating new opportunities to secure long-term berthing agreements with cruise lines.
“New York City’s rich maritime history must continue to inform and strengthen our current economy,” said James Patchett, president and CEO of NYCEDC. “Our partnership with Ports America marks continued progress in leveraging the city’s waterfront assets to create jobs, attract tourists, and drive growth in an important industry.”
As part of the new agreement, Ports America will invest a total of US$38.5 million to make improvements to both terminals to strengthen New York City’s position as one of the main cruise ports in the US.
Brooklyn Cruise Terminal will receive US$15 million in capital investments via a partnership with Brooklyn Borough president Eric Adams. This will enable Ports America to increase capacity for larger vessels and make other upgrades.
“For more than two years, my administration has been intensely focused on the revitalisation of the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, and the working waterfront as a whole, envisioning a future where the port’s infrastructure and services are able to attract and accommodate the high level of tourism traffic that our borough is excited to welcome,” said Adams. “This US$15 million investment by Ports America is a game changer for economic development in Red Hook and our entire waterfront, as well as the complementary impact it will have on businesses and cultural institutions across our borough.”
Manhattan Cruise Terminal will undergo a US$23.5 million refurbishment to add capacity for larger vessels, improve Pier 90, and more.
“Ports America is energised about the future of the cruise industry in NYC under these new agreements,” said Steve Loevsky, vice president of cruise at Ports America. “We are also implementing strategies that will increase vessel calls and passenger volumes, while enhancing the overall guest experience, asset utilisation and safety.”