June 18 marked the grand opening of Global Container Terminal’s multi-million dollar expansion. Started in 2010 and costing $325 million dollars, the expansion program installed semi-automated operations designed to improve efficiencies and safety while reducing environmental impact.
“The partnership between Global and The Port Authority that led to this state-of-the-art terminal is a terrific example of a partnership between the public sector and private sector,” said Pat Foye, Executive Director of The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
Before the expansion, trucks required up to two hours to arrive and depart from the port. When its full slate of improvements takes effect, Global Terminal should cut truck-processing time to approximately 45 minutes. This, in turn, should produce fewer emissions as trucks spend less time idling. New safety features include remote control operations and electronic pressure pads that ensure truckers maintain proper clearance from containers during the loading process.
Global’s website bills the terminal as “Big Ship Ready.” Features that support this claim include a berth extension from 274 to 823 meters, a new gate complex complete with RFID and OCR technologies, and two new ship-to-shore cranes. Before its expansion from 100 to 170 acres, Global Container Terminal handled 500,000 containers per year. It now stands poised to more than double that capacity.
Global’s raft of improvements precedes completion of the Port Authority’s multi-billion dollar Bayonne Bridge “Raise the Roadway” project. “Raise the Roadway” will increase the air draft of the Bayonne Bridge from 151 to 216 feet, allowing larger Post-Panamax vessels to bear increased cargo volumes to and from the Port of New York and New Jersey.