Overview

In the summer of 2006, NYCEDC commenced the Maritime Support Services Location Study focusing on the tug and barge industry, ship repair/dry-dock industry and government services with the goals to develop a sufficient background about these industry sectors to understand their size and economic importance, to define the needs of these industries through 2016 and to identify appropriate assistance to these industries, if needed, to protect their vital functions.

The Port of New York has played a vital role in the region’s development providing thousands of jobs and generating billions of dollars in economic activity. In recent years the Port has experienced a resurgence in waterborne transportation. Today, the Port is the largest port complex on the East Coast, serving 30 counties in the New York Metropolitan area, with a population of 22 million. The Port handles a large share of the country’s international liquid cargo, containerized cargo and vehicles.

More than 90 percent of imported goods arrive by vessels. Most of the international ocean-going vessels rely on the work boats based in the New York Harbor to provide bunkering, feeder services and repair. Most of these maritime support companies in the Port are located along the north shore of Staten Island and Brooklyn.