New York Construction Report staff writer
The five-story Vernon C. Bain Correctional Center (VCBC) jail barge has been removed from the Hunts Point waterfront, clearing the way for redevelopment of the site.
Louisiana Scrap Metal Recycling, a dismantling and recycling company selected through a competitive process, handled the removal using four tug vessels, including one offshore and three assist tugs. The city will receive $1.5 million in compensation, in addition to the value of the barge’s removal and transportation.
The removal marks a significant step toward repurposing the site for the envisioned Hunts Point Marine Terminal, which would receive shipping containers and transfer cargo onto additional barges and ferries for last-mile deliveries across New York City.
Work on the terminal is projected to generate about 400 construction jobs, 100 permanent positions, and $3.9 billion in economic impact over the next 30 years. It is also expected to eliminate an estimated 9,000 monthly truck trips from city streets, reducing congestion in the area.
The redevelopment is part of a broader plan to revitalize the Hunts Point peninsula, including upgrades to public spaces, greenways, and infrastructure. The project builds on the recently announced Blue Highways facility near the Fulton Fish Market and aligns with the Blue Highways Action Plan, which aims to enhance maritime freight movement and reduce reliance on truck transportation throughout New York City waterways.
Hunts Point Marine Terminal redevelopment and related waterfront improvements are anticipated to continue through 2027, with $28.3 million earmarked for shoreline repairs at the VCBC site and the South Bronx Marine Transfer Terminal.
The removal of the jail barge opens access to the waterfront for these long-planned improvements, setting the stage for new economic opportunities and more sustainable freight operations along the Bronx River.
