Carney, Carper, Coons, Blunt Rochester Announce $50 Million for Port of Wilmington Expansion Project

WILMINGTON, Del. – Today, Governor John Carney, U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons and Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester (all D-Del.) announced a $50 million Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) grant award from the U.S. Department of Transportation to Diamond State Port Corporation for the Port of Wilmington’s Edgemoor terminal expansion.

 

The PIDP is a discretionary grant program funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and administered by the U.S. Maritime Administration. Funds for the PIDP are awarded on a competitive basis to projects that improve the safety, efficiency or reliability of the movement of goods into, out of, around, or within a port. The Edgemoor terminal expansion project plan includes constructing a container yard featuring all-electric operations and a new truck gate to provide new cargo capacity, enhance cargo resiliency, reduce emissions, improve safety, and provide capacity at the existing Port of Wilmington. The expansion project is on the former location of the Chemours titanium dioxide production facility, which was demolished and sold to the Diamond State Port Corporation in 2017.

 

“For decades, jobs at the Port of Wilmington have been a gateway into the middle class for thousands of workers and their families— the kind of jobs our state and country were built on. This successful grant from the Port Infrastructure Development Program will help make the planned Edgemoor expansion a reality and bring new good-paying, full-time union jobs to Wilmington and the region,” said Governor John Carney. “I want to thank Senator Carper, Senator Coons and Congresswoman Blunt Rochester for their support of the infrastructure law when it passed and for their advocacy for this project. I’d also like to thank President Biden for everything he is doing to build our economy and boost our workers with these big projects.”

 

Last year, Carper, Coons, and Blunt Rochester helped secure $9.2 million for operations and maintenance work on the Wilmington Harbor, including a new management plan to support the Port’s expansion to the Edgemoor terminal.

 

“The Port of Wilmington supports more than 19,000 jobs, and the Edgemoor terminal expansion will fuel considerable economic growth for Delaware and our region,” said Senator Carper, who as chairman of the Environment and Public Works Committee, has been a diligent supporter of the port’s expansion and led the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passage through the Senate. “Edgemoor’s plans include improved safety and emissions, which is a win-win for the folks who work and live there. This major investment from the Department of Transportation is a giant step forward for the Port of Wilmington’s plans for the future, and it is essential to keeping our port competitive and supporting good paying-jobs in our region now and for generations to come.”

 

“As a member of the Appropriations Committee and a key negotiator of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, I’m thrilled to see this incredible investment of federal funding coming to Delaware and the Port of Wilmington,” said U.S. Senator Chris Coons “Since my time as County Executive, I have supported the Port of Wilmington and the workers who make it run. This expansion will create good-paying construction jobs and opportunities for the men and women of the International Longshoreman’s Association. I’m proud to have helped deliver these federal funds, which will remediate a legacy industrial site and enable the electrification of the port to make Edgemoor one of the most energy-efficient and environmentally friendly ports in the country.”

 

“Investing in the people and places that drive America’s economic engine – including our ports – has been a top priority of President Biden since day one of his administration,” said Rep. Blunt Rochester, member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. “I’m proud to join the Biden-Harris administration and Senators Carper and Coons in announcing this historic funding for the Port of Wilmington’s Edgemoor terminal expansion made possible through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. These federal dollars will expand the Port’s capacity to export and import more goods through our state all while reducing emissions, growing our economy, and creating good-paying jobs at the same time.”

 

“This federal grant for port expansion is great news for our maritime economy and thousands of Delaware families,” said Secretary of State Jeff Bullock, who also serves as chairman of the Diamond State Port Corporation. “This money will help Delaware finance the construction of a new terminal, which will create more high-quality, good-paying union jobs and protect existing jobs while investing in infrastructure that is part of a green economy. We are especially grateful to the Biden Administration and our congressional delegation for their support. The Port of Wilmington is a vital economic engine for Delaware, and this federal support will help make it stronger in the future. We will work with the Edgemoor community, the port operator, Enstructure, and our partners in organized labor to make sure we succeed.”

 

“Speaking for the over 43,000 AFL-CIO members and its construction sector, which is comprised of 24 unions with over 5,000 well-trained men and women, along with over 600 International LongShoreman (ILA) men and women, this is putting Delaware on the map as a shipping receiver and sender in the region,” said Jim Maravelias, president of the Delaware State AFL-CIO. “The expansion will create well-paying jobs for generations to come, and this monetary boost is exactly what Delaware needs at this moment in time.”

 

“On behalf of all the Delaware unions, I would like to thank President Biden, the federal and state delegation, for the grant to support our ongoing efforts to fund the Edgemoor project, while creating sustainable jobs,” said William B. Ashe, Jr. ILA Executive Council and president of ILA Local 1694. 

 

“This investment from the U.S. Department of Transportation further illustrates the deep commitment Senator Carper, Senator Coons, and Representative Blunt Rochester have to Delaware’s critical maritime infrastructure. As Port Wilmington’s operator, we are excited to continue working with the State of Delaware, Governor Carney, the Diamond State Port Corporation, the Delaware Building Trades, the International Longshoremen’s Association, and local communities to bring the Edgemoor development to life,” said Matthew Satnick and Philippe De Montigny, co-CEOs of Enstructure.


New Operator at Port of Wilmington Finalized

Wilmington, DE (July 12, 2023) – The Diamond State Port Corporation is pleased to announce that Enstructure, LLC, has obtained its final approval to become the new operator at the Port of Wilmington. With the concurrence of legislative leaders designated by the State’s Joint Capital Improvement Committee, Enstructure is prepared to take the helm at the port in a matter of days.

House Speaker Valerie Longhurst and Senate President Pro Tempore David Sokola, Joint Capital Improvement Committee Co-Chairs Rep. Debra Heffernan and Sen. Jack Walsh and Controller General Ruth Ann Miller provided their concurrent approval on July 11th of the unanimous decision by the Board of the Diamond State Port Corporation (DSPC) on July 7th to select Enstructure, LLC, as the new operator of the Port of Wilmington, replacing GT USA Wilmington, LLC.

Enstructure is a leading U.S. marine terminal and logistics company with a network of 21 marine terminals. With its proposal to take over operations from GT Wilmington, Enstructure is committing significant capital investment in the current Port of Wilmington. Enstructure estimates that in the next five years, they will invest as much as $65 million at the facility, depending on growth.

As part of the approval from DSPC, Enstructure secured an agreement to work closely with the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), as well as a project labor agreement with the Delaware Building and Construction Trades Council. Representatives of both the ILA and Trades Council spoke in support of Enstructure and their proposal at the DSPC Board meeting on July 7. Enstructure is also partnering with the State on the potential expansion at Edgemoor, where the Governor has committed $50 million from American Rescue Plan Act funds.

“The Port of Wilmington and its workforce are critical to Delaware,” Rep. Longhurst and Sen. Sokola said in a joint statement. “Thousands of Delaware families rely on the good-paying jobs that come from our port. We look forward to working with Enstructure as the new long-term operator and investor in one of Delaware’s most important assets.”

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Gene Bailey, gbailey@port.state.de.us
Executive Director
Diamond State Port Corporation


State Treasurer Attends Closing Bell at NASDAQ

Event featured World Trade Center Delaware and the Port of Wilmington

State Treasurer Colleen C. Davis visited the NASDAQ Stock Exchange on Monday with World Trade Center Delaware and the Port of Wilmington. The Treasurer and Delawareans attended the iconic Closing Bell ceremony at the Exchange, which celebrated Delaware’s significant contributions to the global economy.

“Delaware’s unique economic environment was on display to an international audience at the stock exchange on Monday,” said Treasurer Davis. “The collaboration between various industries, nonprofits, and governments makes our business atmosphere one-of-a-kind, and is one of the reasons that most companies are incorporated in our state.”

The Treasurer was interviewed by Nasdaq Inc. Director of Global Accounts, Rob Phillips, along with Carla Sydney Stone, President of World Trade Center Delaware, and Dave Harriss, Commercial VP of GT USA Wilmington, the operator of the Port of Wilmington.

Event participants traveled to New York City to meet with private equity investors and international companies with interest in trade, ports, and logistics, as well as attend the closing bell ceremony.


Governor Carney, Diamond State Port Corporation, Gulftainer Sign Agreement to Expand Port of Wilmington

Lease agreement expected to create jobs, generate as much as $600 million in new investment

WILMINGTON, Del. – On Tuesday, Governor John Carney, the Diamond State Port Corporation, and GT USA Wilmington, LLC finalized an agreement that will significantly expand the Port of Wilmington, create jobs, and lead to as much as $600 million of new investment at one of Delaware’s most important industrial sites. Earlier this year, Governor Carney announced the agreement with Gulftainer to lease the Port of Wilmington from the State, construct a new container shipping facility on the Delaware River, and significantly expand jobs at the Port over the next decade.

 

“This historic agreement will result in significant new investment in the Port of Wilmington, which has long been one of Delaware’s most important industrial job centers,” said Governor Carney. “For decades, jobs at the Port have helped stabilize Delaware families and the communities where they live. I was proud to help make our partnership with Gulftainer official today, and I want to thank members of the General Assembly, the Diamond State Port Corporation, Gulftainer, the International Longshoremen’s Association, and all of our partners who have helped make this agreement a reality.”

 

Under terms of the agreement finalized on Tuesday, Gulftainer’s subsidiary GT USA Wilmington, LLC will make annual royalty payments to the State of Delaware reaching an estimated $13 million over the next decade. The company plans to invest as much as $600 million in the Port over the next decade, including approximately $410 million for a new container facility at DuPont’s former Edgemoor site, which was acquired by the Diamond State Port Corporation in 2016.

 

The agreement is expected to create thousands of new jobs.

 

“We are proud to be making this long-term commitment to the State of Delaware, its community and its economy,” said Badr Jafar, Chairman of Gulftainer’s Executive Board. “This landmark agreement builds on Gulftainer’s 43-year track record of delivering excellence and dependability in ports and logistics operations around the world, and will create thousands of new jobs, enhanced links and sustainable value for Wilmington and the State. We are confident that this public-private partnership will propel the Port of Wilmington towards becoming the principal gateway of the Eastern Seaboard.”

 

“This is truly a remarkable partnership for the State of Delaware, the City of Wilmington, our Port and the thousands of families whose livelihoods depend on this facility,” said Secretary of State Jeff Bullock, Chairman of the Diamond State Port Corporation. “The agreement signed today represents many months of very hard work on the part of many people, all of whom were dedicated to achieving a result that benefits all sides. It has been a privilege to be a part of this effort; I’m proud of the work we’ve done, and I’m excited for the future of this partnership and what it will mean for our state.”

 

“This is a great day for the State of Delaware,” said William Ashe, President of International Longshoremen’s Association Local 1694. “We’re strengthening the Port and local job creation. I was very happy to be a part of this celebration and agreement signing today.”

 

“The UAE and U.S. have a strong, vibrant investment relationship that delivers meaningful and measurable benefits to businesses, and creates jobs in both countries,” said H.E. Yousef Al Otaiba, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the United States. “Gulftainer’s investment in the Port of Wilmington is a perfect example of this important economic partnership. This deal will create new jobs in Wilmington, and generate additional  economic benefits to other communities across Delaware.”

 

“This project is a win for everyone involved, creating increased trade capacity at the port, economic development for Delaware, growth opportunities for Gulftainer, and jobs for hardworking Americans,” said Ian Steff, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Manufacturing at the U.S. Department of Commerce. “We at SelectUSA and the International Trade Administration are proud to have supported this endeavor, and we look forward to seeing the partnership grow in the years to come.”

 

Click here to download a photo from Tuesday’s signing event.

 

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Related news:

Statements from Governor Carney and Secretary of State Bullock on the Completed Federal Review of Wilmington Port Agreement

Governor Carney’s Statement on General Assembly Approval of Port of Wilmington Expansion

Governor Carney’s Statement on Bond Bill Committee Approval of Port of Wilmington Transaction

Governor Carney’s Statement on Diamond State Port Corporation Board Approval of Gulftainer Agreement

Governor Carney Announces Preliminary Agreement with Gulftainer to Expand the Port of Wilmington


TUESDAY: Signing of Port of Wilmington Expansion Agreement

WILMINGTON, Del. – At noon on Tuesday, September 18, Governor Carney, the Diamond State Port Corporation and GT USA Wilmington, LLC will finalize the concession agreement to lease and significantly expand the Port of Wilmington. In March, Governor Carney announced the agreement with Gulftainer to lease the Port of Wilmington from the State, construct a new container shipping facility on the Delaware River, and significantly expand jobs at the Port over the next decade.

Under terms of the agreement, Gulftainer’s subsidiary GT USA Wilmington, LLC will make annual royalty payments to the State of Delaware reaching an estimated $13 million over the next decade. The company also plans to invest up to $600 million in the Port over the next nine years, including approximately $410 million for a new container facility at DuPont’s former Edgemoor site, which was acquired by the Diamond State Port Corporation (DSPC) in 2016.

“This historic agreement will result in significant new investment in the Port of Wilmington, which has long been one of Delaware’s most important industrial job centers,” said Governor Carney. “For decades, jobs at the Port have helped stabilize Delaware families and the communities where they live. We look forward to making this agreement official on Tuesday, and I want to thank members of the General Assembly, the Diamond State Port Corporation, Gulftainer, and all of our partners who have helped make this agreement a reality.”

Media planning to attend Tuesday’s signing ceremony must RSVP by Friday, September 14, to Emily.David@delaware.gov. For media who RSVP, we will follow up with additional event details, including directions and parking information.

Concession Agreement Signing – Port of Wilmington

WHAT: Governor Carney, the Diamond State Port Corporation and GT USA Wilmington, LLC will sign a concession agreement for the Port of Wilmington.

WHO:   Governor Carney
Jeff Bullock, Secretary, Delaware Department of State
Rick Geisenberger, Secretary, Delaware Department of Finance
Members of Diamond State Port Corporation
Members of GT USA Wilmington, LLC
Members of the General Assembly
Port of Wilmington Employees
Members of ILA Local 1694

WHEN: Tuesday, September 18, 2018
11 a.m.
 *Media setup will begin at the Port at 11 a.m. The signing ceremony will begin at noon.

WHERE: Port of Wilmington
1 Hausel Road
Wilmington, DE 19801

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