A decommissioned floating jail moored off the Bronx in the East River will soon be removed, clearing the way for a new marine cargo terminal. City officials announced the plan Monday outside the vessel in Hunts Point, known as the Vernon C. Bain Correctional Center, and said they will soon issue a request for proposals to remove the barge. The cleared space will house the new Hunts Point Marine Terminal, which will facilitate the transfer of freight from ships to final delivery.
The 800-bed floating jail opened in 1992 as a temporary solution to ease overcrowding on Rikers Island, driven by the crack epidemic. Though intended as a short-term fix, the controversial barge remained in service until its official closure in 2023, after more than 30 years.
The new marine terminal will be a key component of Mayor Eric Adams’ “Blue Highways” initiative, a partnership between the city’s Department of Transportation and Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) to encourage the use of the city’s waterways for transporting goods in and around the city.
The project aims to transform several existing waterfront sites—including the planned redevelopment of Red Hook’s Brooklyn Marine Terminal and the transformation of the Downtown Manhattan Heliport—into dynamic transport hubs.
The Brooklyn Marine Terminal Task Force, made up of city agencies, local officials, and organizations, is set to vote on the plan next Wednesday.
The Hunts Point Marine Terminal is expected to generate 400 construction jobs, 100 permanent positions, and produce $3.9 billion in economic impact over the next 30 years. It will serve as a key link between ports along the East Coast, including the Brooklyn Marine Terminal and other major hubs across the five boroughs.
Expanding boat freight transportation would cut emissions, reduce road wear, ease supply chain bottlenecks, and speed up the movement of goods from ships to store shelves. According to a press release, the new terminal is expected to eliminate around 9,000 truck trips from city streets each month, helping to reduce traffic congestion.
The project builds on a recent partnership with Con Agg Global, located next to the Fulton Fish Market within the Hunts Point Food Distribution Center. This temporary facility is set to open this year and will initially handle construction materials like sand and gravel before evolving into a permanent marine terminal.
The permanent terminal will feature an inland standard barge with a modular pier design. This setup allows for rapid deployment, high capacity, and flexible adjustments based on market demands, including micro freight shipments.
Adams first announced plans to decommission the barge as part of its “Hunts Point Forward” initiative in 2022. Backed by a $40 million commitment from the mayor, the plan outlines a 15-year vision to spur economic opportunity and improve quality of life in the area through more than 70 short- and long-term recommendations.
“Permanently closing this jail and opening space for community-building is a major step forward for the South Bronx,” Jonathan Monsalve, president and CEO of Osborne Association, said.
“A painful part of our history is now behind us, while ahead lies the opportunity to invest in our communities and proceed toward the city’s historic decarceration plan and a more humane justice system. When we remove the symbols of our past failures, we make room for a more just future.”
Following Monday’s announcement, the Hunts Point Marine Terminal has entered the design and planning stage. NYCEDC will also lead a land remediation effort to address pollution at the site, which is expected to be completed in 2027.
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