Florida Ports Council News

Ocean Network Express expands services linking Asia with JAXPORT

Beginning in February 2025, Ocean Network Express (ONE) will expand its East Coast 2 (EC2) container service to include the Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT), establishing a direct link between Jacksonville and five Asian ports.

Port Panama City highlights economic impact and future projects

Port Panama City Port Director Alex King recently addressed the Bay County Chamber of Commerce, highlighting the significant economic impact of Port Panama City.

Port Everglades welcomes back Crystal for winter season

Port Everglades marked the return of Crystal on November 9, as the cruise line resumed its winter homeport operations.

Port Tampa Bay announces Maersk's new weekly service connecting with Cartagena

Maersk has unveiled plans to introduce a new weekly container service linking Port Tampa Bay with Cartagena, Colombia.

Florida seaports show economic impact; set cruise records

Most residents of Florida may not be fully aware of the crucial role played by the state's seaports in maintaining the flow of goods and supplies.

Port of Palm Beach wins AAPA Lighthouse Award for internship program

The Port of Palm Beach has been awarded a Lighthouse Award by the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) for its outstanding administrative practices, particularly in relation to its revamped Summer Internship Program.

Rooms To Go to receive prestigious Captain James McKay Port Achievement Award

Rooms To Go is set to receive the Captain James McKay Port Achievement Award at this year's Anchor Ball on December 7, 2024.

Port of Pensacola maintains steady cargo activity amid market challenges

The Port of Pensacola has shown resilience in a fluctuating shipping market, maintaining solid cargo activity throughout the fiscal year despite global supply chain challenges.

MSC reintroduces Port Everglades for two shipping services

Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has announced a change in port rotation for two of its services, bringing Port Everglades back as a weekly call starting in November.

Port Everglades sets new cruise passenger record with over four million travelers

Port Everglades has surpassed its previous record for cruise passengers, with an estimated 4,010,919 individuals embarking and disembarking during the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024.

Disney Treasure arrives at Port Canaveral as new homeport vessel

Port Canaveral recently welcomed the Disney Treasure, the newest addition to Disney Cruise Line's fleet, as its third homeport vessel.

PortMiami sets new passenger record with over eight million travelers

PortMiami has set a new record for cruise passenger numbers, reaching 8,233,056 travelers in Fiscal Year 2024.

EPA awards $1.8M grant for emission studies at Port Tampa Bay

Port Tampa Bay is set to receive $1.8 million in grant funding from the U.S. Department of Environmental Quality’s Clean Ports Program.

Florida seaports recover from hurricanes with state support

Florida's seaports have demonstrated resilience in the face of recent challenges, including two hurricanes and a port worker strike. In the past month, these events tested the ports' capabilities, but effective leadership across 16 public ports enabled swift recovery and continuation of their critical role in Florida's supply chain.

Port of Palm Beach begins infrastructure development with $13.2M federal grant

The Port of Palm Beach has initiated its Port Infrastructure Development Program, a project backed by a $13.2 million grant from the U.S. Maritime Administration. The program aims to improve the port's infrastructure and increase operational efficiency.

Port Everglades extends agreement with Royal Caribbean Group through 2030

For 25 years, Royal Caribbean Group has used Port Everglades as a homeport for its cruise ships. The partnership is set to continue following the Broward County Board of Commissioners' approval of an extension to the company's Passenger Terminal and Berth User Agreement. This extension will last until September 30, 2030, with an option for an additional five-year term.

Florida allocates $8.8M for JAXPORT and Port Tampa Bay aggregate material enhancements

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced a total of $8.8 million in funding for projects at JAXPORT and Port Tampa Bay aimed at enhancing the storage and transportation of aggregate materials. The funding includes $2.6 million for a project at JAXPORT to improve storage capacity and rail access, while Port Tampa Bay will receive $6.2 million to build the Berth 218 aggregate terminal, which is expected to handle an additional 500,000 tons of limerock each year.

DeSantis allocates funds for SeaPort Manatee recovery after Hurricane Milton

Governor Ron DeSantis has announced a $9.5 million funding award to SeaPort Manatee to aid in its recovery from the damages inflicted by Hurricane Milton. SeaPort Manatee, a key deep-water seaport in Southwest Florida, plays an essential role in distributing goods such as fuel, fruits and vegetables, appliances, construction materials, and wood across Southwest Florida and the Southeast.

Florida legislators allocate $23M for JAXPORT crane upgrades

Florida legislators have allocated $23 million to JAXPORT for the purchase and refurbishment of container cranes. This funding will enable the acquisition of a new crane from Liebherr Crane Company in Germany and refurbish existing equipment at JAXPORT's terminals.

Florida Ports Council monitors impact of ILA worker strike

The Florida Ports Council is closely monitoring the ongoing strike by the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) and its potential impact on Floridians. The strike, stemming from a lack of agreement between the ILA and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX), affects several key ports in Florida.