The New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), along with Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, recently celebrated the investment of $17.2 million for a number of Brooklyn Cruise Terminal modernization projects.
Specifically, the total investment was made through a $2.2 million capital grant allocated by Adams himself over the past two fiscal years and a $15 million commitment from Port America, which recently took over as the new operator of the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal.
According to NYCEDC, the funds will be dedicated to the construction of a new 500-foot long apron, a passenger viaduct, and two new gangways. The funds will also allow for the design and implementation of a multifunctional, high-capacity wireless network to improve the passenger experience and operating efficiency.
“We believe that these investments will increase vessel calls and passenger volumes while enhancing the overall guest experience, asset utilization and safety,” Steve Loevsky, vice president of cruise at Ports America, said.
In May, NYCEDC selected Ports America as the lone operator of both the Manhattan and Brooklyn Cruise Terminals through 2029. Under that agreement, Ports America agreed to invest a total of $38.5 million in capital improvements across both terminals.
NYCEDC said the exclusivity agreement would help lower costs and streamline operations between the two terminals, which will create new opportunities to secure long-term agreements with cruise lines.