DESCRIPTION: Several channels comprise this high-use deep draft asset. The Newark Bay Channels includes the following channels:
- A main channel, including widening and maneuvering areas, 50 ft deep, 700 ft wide to the branch channel at Port Newark, thence 40 ft. deep, 500 ft wide, to a turning basin at the junction of the Hackensack and Passaic River channels, length about 4.7 miles.
- A branch channel at Port Newark (Port Newark Branch Channel) 35 ft deep, 800 ft wide, leading to an inshore channel, 400 ft wide, total length 1.6 miles.
- A pierhead channel (Port Newark Pierhead Channel) 200 ft wide, between the Port Newark and Elizabeth branch channels, length 4,100 ft.
- A branch channel (Elizabeth Channel) 50 ft deep, 500 ft wide, leading to an inshore channel, 400 ft wide, total length 1.4 miles.
- A pierhead channel (Port Elizabeth Pierhead Channel) 40 ft deep, 290 ft wide, between Elizabeth and South Elizabeth branch channels, length 1.1miles.
- A branch channel (South Elizabeth Channel) 50 ft deep, 290 ft wide and 0.6 mile long
AUTHORIZATION: The Newark Bay Channels were authorized by the Rivers and Harbors Acts of 1922 and subsequently modified on 1943, 1954, 1964, 1966, 1975, 1985 and Water Resources Development Acts of 1986 and 1990.
COMMERCE: This asset supports deep-draft commercial navigation to the Port of New York and New Jersey. In 2020, approximately 46.5 million tons of bulk cargo was transported through the approach channels into Port Newark and Port Elizabeth, including 3 million tons of petroleum products. Other major commodities include coal, food products, manufactured goods and equipment, vehicles, and crude materials.
BACKGROUND: Last maintenance dredging cycle included the critically shoaled areas in the Port Newark approach channels (main channel & branch channel reaches) performed in 2022.
The previous maintenance dredging cycle included the critically shoaled areas in the Port Newark approach channels done in 2021. Approximately 390,000 CY were maintenance dredged and placed at upland permitted sites. Prior maintenance dredging cycle included the critically shoaled areas in the Port Newark approach channels in 2020. Approximately 670,000 CY were maintenance dredged and placed at upland permitted sites.
STATUS: In FY2023 funds will be used for commonly performed Operations & Maintenance (O&M) work including solicitation and award of a maintenance dredging contract in FY23. Funds are also being used to close out the contract awarded in FY22; monitoring of the channel shoaling conditions and coordination with the users and stakeholders; production of an annual hydrographic condition survey, and publication of the Controlling Depth Report on the District’s website below is also scheduled for FY2023. https://www.nan.usace.army.mil/Missions/Navigation/Controlling-Depth-Reports/
CONTACT:
Edward Wrocenski
Asset / Project Manager
P: (917) 790-8636
Email: edward.wrocenski@usace.army.mil
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York District
26 Federa1 Plaza
New York, NY 10278
District Area: NJ # 8, 10