The Oil Drum

In our recent discussion of NYC's potential advantages in a high energy cost world, the importance of being deep water port (or at least having the potential to be one) seemed to be one of NYC's pivotal advantages over more landlocked areas. This allows goods to be shipped at much lower energy costs. It seems that any infrastructure plan to deal with peak oil will have to restore many of the working waterfronts in NYC, even in Manhattan where waterfront real estate is premium priced.

A recent Gotham Gazette indepth article examined the city's ports as part of their "waterfront" series. First, here's a little history:

The port grew rapidly with the introduction of steamships and especially with the completion in 1825 of the Erie Canal, which made New York the most important connection between Europe and the American heartland. By the mid 19th century, more passengers and products came through the port of New York than all other harbors in the country combined.