Port Tampa Bay partners with USF in maritime research

TAMPA, Florida — Port Tampa Bay announces that the state’s largest port has recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of South Florida Board Of Trustees to partner in several objectives over the next three years.

The port and USF have enjoyed a decades-long relationship that is now reaching a higher level of collaboration, particularly where the university’s research plans and the port’s maritime operations and technological scope overlap, such that both entities can benefit from working together. The university has 15 years’ expertise in the area of marine sensor testing and evaluation.

Moving forward, the two entities will be sharing data and personnel to conduct key research initiatives that will include maritime workforce development; research for resilient and sustainable maritime operations; unbiased testing and evaluation of maritime sensor technologies; and providing community outreach on a variety of topics.

“Port Tampa Bay is excited to enter into an agreement with one of the South’s premier research institutions to engage in opportunities to develop programs and deliver results that will be of benefit to both the university and the port. There is a high level of technology that is required in the maritime industry, both above and below the water. With our combined resources and know-how, it’s an exciting prospect to consider the meaningful research findings will come from the enhanced relationship that this MOU represents,” said Paul Anderson, port president and CEO.

Port Tampa Bay is Florida’s largest port and the largest economic engine in west central Florida, supporting nearly 80,000 jobs and generating almost $15 billion in annual economic impact. In addition to being a top 10 U.S. cruise port, the port handles a wide array of bulk, breakbulk, containers and roll-on, roll-off cargoes, and is a major shipbuilding and repair center.