![]() Port workers load drums of juice concentrate onto a ship bound for Europe. |
To encourage and accommodate growth in shipments of everything from orange juice to automobiles, the port is soliciting bids this year for two additional cargo piers, as well as a new cruise terminal. Port CEO Stan Payne says the time is right to invest in infrastructure because construction costs are lower and destined to rise as the economy strengthens.
![]() Port CEO Stan Payne says lower construction costs make this an ideal time to expand. |
The cargo sector was hurt by the slowdown in construction in recent years as shipments of lumber, cement and related products plunged. But a new fuel terminal on the north side of the port is boosting revenue as the economy shows signs of life.
Port Canaveral generates more than 13,000 jobs and about $650 million in wages, according to a 2010 analysis of cruise, cargo, real estate and marina activity during 2009. Cargo accounts for about 15% of the port's business.
![]() Rendering of Port Canaveral's new cruise terminal |