Governors Island starts a $64 million rebuild of Yankee and Lima piers

The Trust for Governors Island announced on 21 October 2026 the start of a $64 million, City-funded rebuild of Yankee Pier and Lima Pier. The project will establish Yankee Pier as a primary passenger ferry gateway to the island, doubling its ferry landing capacity. Lima Pier will be rebuilt as a second access point for deliveries, construction vehicles and emergency services. Ferries are the only way to reach the island.

Both piers are 60 years old and were originally built to serve the United States Coast Guard. The island welcomes nearly 1 million visitors a year. Preparation for the demolition of Yankee and Lima Pier will begin this month. During construction, Yankee Pier will be out of service. NYC Ferry's South Brooklyn route and the Trust's seasonal Brooklyn Ferry service will be diverted to Pier 101 starting November 2, 2026. The Yankee Pier Welcome Center will be moved to Pier 101 during this period. Public access to the island's park and public spaces, including the waterfront esplanade, will not be impacted. Passenger service will continue to serve Soissons Landing in addition to Yankee Pier once completed.

The redesigned Yankee Pier will have a widened, rectangular deck accommodating passenger queuing for up to four routes, and a floating ferry landing with expanded vessel compatibility. Yankee Pier will be rebuilt to an 11′ elevation, built to withstand flooding and severe weather. The new Lima Pier will also include additional mooring options for the Trust vessel fleet.

"Every visit to Governors Island begins at the water's edge," said Clare Newman, president and CEO of the Trust for Governors Island. "This investment gives the Island a ferry gateway built for the year-round destination it has become, with room to welcome more routes and more New Yorkers in the years ahead."

The design of the pier renovations was awarded to a team led by Indigo River. Skanska USA Building will be the construction manager.