This commentary appeared in the print edition of the Jan. 6, 2020, Journal of Commerce Annual Review and Outlook.
An ongoing priority for Port Canaveral is balancing berth utilization with the highest demand for bulkhead space in the port’s history. Continued growth in central Florida and the increasing needs of the Space Coast region’s expanding commercial space enterprise are driving investments in waterside and landside infrastructure improvements to increase the port’s capacity and to add value to our capabilities and competitive position to handle future business.
With an increasingly diversified cargo portfolio, cargo tonnage at the port rose to more than 6.4 million tons during fiscal year 2019, and an increase in varied cargo is expected to continue during the next few years.
More than $446 million is included in the port’s five-year capital improvements plan. North Cargo Berth 8 (NCB8) will be operating by late spring 2020 as a multipurpose deep-water berth, with a 2,000-pound-per-square-foot capability to load and offload all types of cargo, including heavy and oversized components for the commercial space industry. Uplands construction adjacent to NCB8 is underway, and a 120-foot-long pier extension will be added to the berth’s existing 900 feet, creating 1,020 feet of bulkhead able to accommodate vessels up to 960 feet long with a draft up to 35 feet.
An estimated $75 million will be invested in the renovation of the port’s North Cargo Piers 3 and 4. The outdated current pier designs will be replaced by state-of-the-art marine facilities to accommodate today’s larger deep-draft vessels.
A new mobile harbor crane — the largest shore-based mobile harbor crane in the United States — went into service in 2019, adding a wide range of lift capability and mobility for the port. The 270-foot tall Liebherr LHM 600 adds versatility to the port’s cargo operations for handling bulk, breakbulk, project cargo, and containers with its 18-container reach.
In partnership with our terminal operators, tenants, and stakeholders, Port Canaveral’s sound business planning ensures we have the facilities and capabilities to support strong organic growth.