Florida Seaports' Top News ....

WRDA 2018 (America’s Water Infrastructure Act)

Congress passed WRDA 2018 (S 3021), and sent the bill to the President for his signature. The bill contains a variety of legislation aimed at water projects like Herbert Hoover/South Florida dike issues around Lake Okeechobee. The legislation also continues to stress the need for the Army Corps to accelerate the process for moving projects forward more efficiently and at lower cost – including more authority for non-federal interests acting on behalf of the Corps. This authority includes the ability to pre-fund construction activity by the Corps – this may help with projects at areas like Port Everglades. Additional information on the legislation is available at the House Transportation Committee webpage ...

Florida Ports and Partners Embark on Trade Mission to China

A delegation of members from Florida seaports, the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise Florida and the Florida Ports Council traveled to China last week to meet with foreign counterparts in Hong Kong and Shenzhen. Representatives attended from seaports where Asian container trade is paramount, such as JAXPORT, Port Everglades, Port Miami and Port Tampa Bay .....

The Cawton Report: UAE grant highlights connection to Florida

The UAE ambassador to the United States, Yousef Al Otaiba, said the 46-year-old Mideast nation has historically aided areas damaged by natural disasters.

“The UAE has deep connections with Florida,” Otaiba said. “So, as friends do for each other in times of need, we asked how could we help some of the hardest-hit communities recover from the hurricane.”

The 1,400-ton Duke of Topsail, pictured in the foreground, has sailed more than 1,200 times from the Port of Palm Beach, traveling weekly to Nassau and Marsh Harbour, in the Bahamas. The vessel’s agent is Gulfstream Line, established in 1965 and based at the Port of Palm Beach. Photo by Captain Kimo.

Big Business in a 162-Acre Package

Established in 1915, the Port of Palm Beach is a landlord port situated in Riviera Beach, just north of West Palm Beach in Palm Beach County. Over the last fiscal year, the Port’s cargo and cruise business has seen significant growth – all the while maintaining its relatively small footprint of 162 acres. It has seen the addition of a new 52,900-gross-ton, 658-stateroom cruise ship, the Grand Classica; the 276-foot Tropic Freedom joined the Tropical Shipping fleet in serving the Caribbean; rail cars increased by 5% while container tonnage increased ....