McLaren's Battery Park City Ferry Terminal Installed, to Open this Summer

McLaren Engineering Group’s latest and perhaps greatest ferry terminal has arrived.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey towed the $70 million Battery Park City Ferry Terminal to its permanent location off of the Battery Park City Esplanade on June 7, a major milestone in the construction of the Terminal. With McLaren providing marine engineering services, the Terminal is a permanent floating structure – at more than ¾ of an acre, it’s the largest of its kind in the United States.

The 1,200-ton Terminal, in the final stages of construction that began 18 months ago in Corpus Christi, Texas, consists of a mono-hull main terminal; two anchorage towers anchored to bedrock, 75 feet below the water; and pedestrian walkways connecting to the Esplanade at Vesey Street. It will replace its predecessor – a temporary structure consisting of a floating landing terminal and appurtenances.

McLaren was involved with the overall design of the structure, as well as the design of ADA-compliant access ramps, fendering, staging, and constructability. The firm produced computer models and simulation, analyzed buoyancy, flotation and damage stability, and provided mechanical engineering for deployable ramps – among other services.

When complete, the facility will become an aesthetically prominent feature of New York City’s waterfront and will offer service to destinations throughout the City’s Harbor. The Terminal’s six slips can accommodate up to five ferries, and a covered waiting room featuring a glass windscreen adds a nice touch to the passenger amenities.

The Terminal is expected to open for business late in the summer.