Sweeney Welcomes First Ship to Paulsboro Port

PAULSBORO – Kicking off a new era of economic development and job growth in Gloucester County, Senate President Steve Sweeney joined local, state and federal officials to welcome the first ship to dock at the newly completed Paulsboro Marine Terminal.

The Paulsboro Marine Terminal is the first port constructed on the Delaware River in more than half a century.  The facility was completed thanks to millions of dollars in public and private investment and is located on the rehabilitated grounds of a former BP oil tank farm.

“From what was a contaminated brownfield, now stands a state-of-the-art facility that will deliver a jump start to our regional economy,” said Senator Sweeney.  “The jobs created by the port traffic and commerce at this terminal will benefit the residents of Paulsboro, Gloucester County and South Jersey as a whole.”

Joining the Senate President at today’s event were his fellow Legislative District 3 representatives and advocates for the port’s construction, Assemblymen John Burzichelli and Adam Taliaferro.

“As the former Mayor of Paulsboro I am keenly aware of the economic potential within this location,” said Assemblyman Burzichelli.  “The collaboration between the public and private sectors to get this done is a powerful reminder of what we can, and will continue to, achieve on behalf of our residents.”

“I want to thank Senate President Sweeney and Assemblyman Burzichelli for all of their work to make today a reality,” said Robert Damminger, Freeholder Director, Gloucester County. “I also want to congratulate South Jersey Port Corporation, Holt Logistics, NMLK USA and the more than 100 workers who already have jobs through this endeavor.  We look forward to the incredible growth still to come.”

The ship arriving Thursday, carrying tons of steel, is owned by NMLK USA, one of the leading producers of steel products in the United States and an anchor tenant at the Paulsboro Marine Terminal.

Construction at the port, which began in 2009, was carried out by Holt Logistics Corp., who invested more than $12 million in equipment in the site, including cranes and rolling rail stock.