This commentary appeared in the print edition of the Jan. 6, 2020, Journal of Commerce Annual Review and Outlook.
The Port Everglades Master/Vision Plan is not just an aspiration. It is a roadmap to our future success. Many infrastructure projects that were part of our long-term plans are now well underway and are more relevant than ever. Our challenge is to maintain our strong industry position during these periods of heavy construction, so our customers and the port can continue to prosper.
Our staff meets regularly with the port’s cruise, cargo, and petroleum customers and other port stakeholders to discuss their current needs and expectations for the coming years. This ongoing dialogue is key to ensuring smooth operations during turbulent construction periods.
Despite the inconveniences, port users look forward to benefiting from major capital improvements that are underway and moving forward.
The $437.5 million Southport Turning Notch Extension is the largest infrastructure project in the port’s history. It will provide up to five new cargo berths by lengthening the existing turning notch from 900 feet to 2,400 feet. Three new super post-Panamax gantry cranes costing $13.8 million each will be delivered in the fall of 2020. The port also has an option to purchase an additional three cranes within the next five years.
By 2026, our navigation channels will be deepened from 42 feet to between 48 and 50 feet, and narrower sections will be widened for safer vessel passage. The project is currently in the preconstruction engineering and design phase, having received Congressional authorization in December 2016.
A new logistics center to replace our current, antiquated Foreign-Trade Zone is being constructed at the port through a public–private partnership with Center Point Port Everglades LLC, with the first building scheduled to be completed by June 2020. The facility will contain warehouse, refrigerated warehouse, and office space, as well as cross-docking facilities.
As we advance major infrastructure projects, all aimed at improving capacity and productivity, our customers are key resources to identifying operational solutions and future needs as Port Everglades continues to serve as a global gateway for international trade.