The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday announced nearly $400 million in Clean Ports Program funding for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, as well as SeaStreak LLC, a commuter ferry service operating between New Jersey and New York City.
The investment will fund new zero-emission equipment and infrastructure, as well as climate and air quality planning, the EPA said. The funding will help reduce air pollution and advance environmental justice efforts in port communities such as Newark and Elizabeth.
State officials welcomed the news, noting New Jersey has the fourth largest container port in the U.S. and the largest on the East Coast, hauling in over 100 million tons of cargo each year.
“The electrification of port equipment and infrastructure is a vital component in the state’s clean energy goals and will lead to meaningful reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollutants to improve air quality in overburdened communities in Newark and Elizabeth,” said state Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) has been selected to receive an anticipated $344,138,135 to work with five collaborating partners to implement their proposed project, Catalyzing Change: Zero-Emissions NY-NJ Port Projects for a Greener Future. The plan includes the deployment of electric cargo handling equipment and drayage trucks with supporting charging infrastructure, including a ZE Equipment for Ports (ZEEP) Voucher Incentive Program and Green Drayage Accelerator (GDA) program.
PANYNJ commits to reducing the number of polluting vehicles at the port by scrapping a portion of the existing fleet, the EPA said. The project also includes the installation of vessel shore power infrastructure. PANYNJ will also implement a community engagement plan and train workers to operate and maintain new equipment and infrastructure.
SeaStreak LLC, headquartered in Atlantic Highlands, has been selected to receive an anticipated $54,954,000 to deploy high-speed zero-emission ferries for service between New Jersey and New York City. In addition to the ferries, the project includes deployment of shore power electrical equipment infrastructure with integrated battery energy storage system to allow fast, efficient, and cost-effective vessel charging.
The proposed project also includes the establishment of a community stakeholder group and collaboration with educational institutions and industry groups to advance training, workforce development and technology awareness.
The grants are funded by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which among other things includes the largest ever investment for combating climate change and promoting clean energy – nearly $400 billion in Energy Security and Climate Change programs over the next 10 years.
“Bringing these federal dollars back to New Jersey means cleaner air, less traffic on our busiest routes, and a long-term boost for communities like Highlands,” said House Energy & Commerce Ranking Member and U.S. Representative Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-6). “This project is about more than cutting dangerous pollution; it’s about strengthening our local economy and supporting sustainable transit solutions that benefit residents and businesses alike.”
Seastreak currently operates commuter ferries from ports in Monmouth County to East 35th Street in New York City, as well as private charters and seasonal cruises.
“Seastreak is committed to being the one of the most environmentally friendly passenger ferry operators in the country,” said James D. Barker Vice President, Sales & Marketing at Seastreak. “High-speed electric ferry technology is a new and quickly evolving space. With this grant, we are excited to contribute to a new frontier in maritime technology while continuing our efforts to improve air quality within the communities we serve.”
In February 2024, EPA announced two separate funding opportunities for U.S. ports – a Zero-Emission Technology Deployment Competition to directly fund zero-emission equipment and infrastructure to reduce mobile source emissions and a Climate and Air Quality Planning Competition to fund climate and air quality planning activities. The competitions closed in May 2024 with over $8 billion in requests from applicants across the country seeking to advance next-generation, clean technologies at U.S. ports.
The EPA selected 55 applications in total to receive $3 billion in Clean Ports Program funding.
