Port of New York and New Jersey to undergo upgrades under new investment package

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey recently confirmed a multifaceted package of significant investments in partnership with the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to boost navigational safety and efficiency at the Port of New York and New Jersey.

The new investments between the Port Authority and the USACE include more than US$50 million through the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund for the seaport's berth maintenance dredging, berth rehabilitation, and berth reconstruction.

Additionally, a separate US$32 million project will deepen and widen the Gravesend Anchorage outside the Kill van Kull waterway from its current depth of 47 feet (14 metres) to 50 feet (15 metres), which will provide a location for large ships to anchor between Ambrose Anchorage in the Atlantic Ocean and the seaport's container terminals.

The port authority said anchorage space that is large and deep enough to handle the largest container ships calling the Port of New York and New Jersey will improve the port's safety and efficiency. This will then allow large ships to move closer to the port during inspections, refueling, or inclement weather and to have an emergency refuge area in the event of a mechanical or navigational issue.