Empire Wind and the Building & Construction Trades Council of Greater New York and Vicinity (BCTC) have announced a historic Project Labor Agreement (PLA) for the construction of the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal (SBMT). This agreement is a crucial step towards revitalizing SBMT, transforming it into a key staging and assembly site for Equinor's Empire Wind offshore wind project, and establishing it as an operations and maintenance base.

The PLA signifies a commitment to responsible construction practices, with a focus on New York's skilled union workforce. It aims to set high standards for safety, equity, and job creation, with over 1,000 union construction jobs and apprenticeships anticipated, along with thousands of indirect jobs in related industries such as manufacturing, shipping, and logistics.

Moreover, the agreement prioritizes engagement with Minority- and Women-Owned Businesses (MWBE) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (SDVOB), along with a local hire requirement benefiting Section 3 New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) residents, veterans, and Sunset Park residents.

Construction at SBMT is slated to commence imminently, with initial activities including demolition, excavation, and bulkhead preparation. Notable contracts covered by the agreement include Skanska, GE-BOND, and Nexans. Beyond construction, Empire Wind's Ecosystem Fund will invest millions to educate and train New Yorkers for upcoming offshore wind jobs.

The PLA has garnered widespread support, with stakeholders lauding its potential to drive economic growth, support union jobs, and advance New York's clean energy transition. The collaboration underscores a shared commitment to building a sustainable future while fostering job creation and community development in the Empire State.

Source: businesswire.com