The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has approved Port Tampa Bay's General Reevaluation Report to deepen its shipping channels. This decision will allow the main portions of the navigable waterways serving Port Tampa Bay to be deepened from 43 to 47 feet. The Tampa Harbor Navigation Improvement Study, which began three years ago, received approval on August 14, 2024.
"Today is a pivotal moment for Port Tampa Bay. The signing of the Chief of Engineers’ report by Lt. General Scott A. Spellmon brings us a step closer to unlocking greater economic potential and enhancing our region’s status as a leading gateway for global trade," said Paul Anderson, Port Tampa Bay President and CEO. "This project will not only deepen our navigational channels but also deepen our commitment to supporting the thriving Tampa Bay region, the state of Florida, and beyond."
Anderson added, "By enabling a deeper navigational channel, we increase our capacity, remain globally competitive, and reaffirm our commitment to fueling the economic engine of our region."
Port Tampa Bay handled over 35 million tons of cargo during FY2023 and is Florida’s largest and most diversified seaport. The deepening of the channel will support a container build-out program that has helped establish Port Tampa Bay as an emerging container port and supply chain solution. In collaboration with container terminal operator Ports America, the port has secured three additional post-Panamax cranes (bringing the total to five), expanded its container gate, increased paved storage to 100 acres, and is constructing a third deep-water berth.
Florida is now the third most populous state in the U.S., home to 23 million residents and welcoming more than 140 million visitors annually. The Tampa Bay/Orlando I-4 Corridor region is Florida’s largest consumer market and fastest-growing area, serving as the state's primary distribution hub. Port Tampa Bay's central location minimizes truck delivery costs and allows for same-day coverage across Florida.
Following approval of the Chief’s Report, the study will proceed to Congress for authorization under the Water Resources Development Act. Funding for deepening the channel will come from federal, state, and local sources.