December 19, 2025 — The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) announced a $300 million competitive solicitation to support maritime port development and improvement projects. The initiative will strengthen New York's working waterfronts, spur private investment, and create thousands of good-paying jobs while positioning the state as a global leader in renewable energy infrastructure.
Through the Port Infrastructure Request for Proposals (RFP 6041), NYSERDA will make up to $300 million available for port upgrades that will attract and sustain a diverse supply chain in New York State. Eligible projects include improvements to:
NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris emphasized the strategic importance of these investments: "To continue building out New York's maritime assets as well as the offshore wind sector, we need ports capable of supporting multiple industries and technologies. This solicitation will facilitate port development to support offshore wind projects through investments in multi-purpose ports that can withstand demand fluctuations."
A key innovation in this funding approach is the emphasis on multi-purpose port infrastructure. Rather than funding facilities dedicated solely to offshore wind, NYSERDA is prioritizing projects that serve diverse industries and uses. This approach ensures:
Ideal projects will demonstrate the ability to immediately provide value to New York State, foster symbiotic partnerships, and leverage private investment while facilitating the growth of supply chain opportunities over long-term port operations.
While the solicitation supports multi-use ports, offshore wind industry support is a primary focus. New York's offshore wind sector is projected to grow significantly as the state moves toward its clean energy goals. The Port Infrastructure solicitation will enable ports to:
Empire State Development Commissioner Hope Knight noted: "Ports throughout New York State offer new opportunities to support vital industries, create jobs and promote new economic growth. Under Governor Hochul's leadership, this RFP through NYSERDA will enable critical updates to strengthen the infrastructure at these sites, and building a more dynamic foundation for future port operations."
The solicitation allows for multiple rounds of funding, with commitments continuing until the full $300 million is allocated.
Key dates:
Eligible applicants include port authorities, municipalities, private port operators, and partnerships. NYSERDA will announce selected projects once awarded contracts have been finalized and executed.
To support this broader Port Infrastructure solicitation, NYSERDA is repurposing $200 million previously made available through the 2024 Offshore Wind Supportive Manufacturing and Logistics solicitation (OSWSCRFP24-1). The additional $100 million represents new state capital projects appropriations for the development of offshore wind ports, manufacturing, and supply chain infrastructure.
Funding is provided by New York State capital projects appropriations specifically designated for:
Port infrastructure investments of this scale create significant economic benefits across multiple sectors:
These are projected to be "good-paying jobs" that support middle-class families in port communities throughout New York.
As noted by New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon: "The investments into New York's waterfronts are projected to create thousands of good-paying jobs across the state, and the New York State Department of Labor stands ready to develop our workforce to take advantage of these new opportunities."
Port infrastructure development advances several of New York's environmental and climate goals:
Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton emphasized: "Thanks to Governor Hochul, New York will have new clean energy to power the grid. As New York and other states face uncertainties from the federal government's abandonment of renewable energy, this $300 million program will ensure the state has the infrastructure it needs, while adding good-paying jobs to strengthen our economy for a cleaner and healthier state for all New Yorkers."
For construction firms, maritime operators, and project developers in New York, this solicitation represents significant opportunities:
Ports should begin assessing their infrastructure needs and developing project proposals now, given the March 26, 2026 deadline for Round 1 proposals.
For detailed information about eligible projects, application requirements, and evaluation criteria, applicants should visit:
This $300 million port infrastructure solicitation is part of Governor Hochul's broader strategy to position New York as a global leader in offshore wind energy and clean energy manufacturing. Combined with other state and federal investments, these port improvements will create the foundation for a thriving renewable energy supply chain that benefits communities throughout the state.
For construction professionals and maritime operators, these port infrastructure investments signal strong long-term demand for specialized expertise in renewable energy facility construction and operations—establishing New York as a center for clean energy manufacturing and supply chain development.
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