Located in the heart of downtown Miami in Biscayne Bay, The Port of Miami is one of the most significant economic generators for South Florida. Through its cargo and cruise activities, the Port has determined that it contributes over $18 billion annually to the South Florida economy and helps provide direct and indirect employment for over 176,000 individuals. The Port is owned and operated by the Seaport Department of Miami Dade County.
In 2010 the Port of Miami handled more than 4.1 million cruise passengers and 7.3 million tons of cargo providing a tremendous economic and social benefit to Miami Dade County and the South Florida community. To meet the challenges of the future in Miami Dade County and the South Florida region, the Port of Miami will continue its sustainable growth through the development of the cargo, cruise and commercial entities in order to create new jobs in the community. It is timely and relevant for Miami Dade County to focus attention on this important community asset and plan accordingly for the future.
The Port of Miami is recognized as the “Cruise Capital of the World” – it has retained its status as the number one cruise passenger port in the world for well over four decades accommodating cruise vessels of major cruise lines such as Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. and Norwegian Cruise Line.
As the “Cargo Gateway of the Americas”, the Port primarily handles containerized cargo and small amounts of break bulk, vehicles and industrial equipment. The Port of Miami is among an elite group of ports in the world which cater to both cruise ships and containerized cargo.
The port industry is in the middle of competitive changes which require ports to adjust if they are to continue to develop. The Port is geographically positioned for growth opportunities as the Panama Canal expansion project is completed in FY2014/15 allowing for post Panamax vessels to transit the canal. The Port of Miami will be the closest US Port to the Canal. The Port of Miami is currently moving ahead with deepening the South Channel to 50ft / 52ft. to accommodate the new post –Panamax ships – a large container vessel providing for faster routes to Florida and the US East Coast. The development of the tunnel, on port rail and off -site intermodal yard will accommodate this growth opportunity into the future.
Additional information on PortMiami can be found at:Â http://www.miamidade.gov/portmiami/
