More Big Ships Call Port Canaveral Home
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 |