New Waterway and E-Cargo Bike Delivery Model Reduces NYC Emissions
New York food distributors are piloting a low-emission delivery model combining waterway transport and electric cargo bikes as an alternative to traditional truck deliveries.
Food distributors and non-profit organizations in New York are testing a new low-emission delivery model that utilizes the city's waterways and electric cargo bikes.
The pilot, led by Empire Clean Cities and funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, aims to offer an alternative to traditional truck deliveries. The model pairs maritime transport for the middle mile with electric-assist quad cargo bikes for the last mile, seeking to reduce urban emissions and congestion.
In an October 2026 demonstration, Sharing Excess, a non-profit food distributor, transported rescued produce from the Hunts Point Distribution Center to Manhattan's Greenwich Village via waterways. Goods were transferred from U.S. Coastal Service's vessel, the Blue Highway 1, to Fulpra electric cargo bikes at the E. 34th Street ferry terminal, with one bike featuring a refrigeration unit.
The project utilizes Con Agg Global's transloading facility in Hunts Point, expected to significantly reduce monthly truck trips from the South Bronx. The model is being developed into a regular weekly service and aligns with the NYC Department of Transportation and NYC Economic Development Corporation's "Blue Highways" initiative, promoting waterway freight movement.