A half billion dollars and larger ships are on course for Port Canaveral.
In its largest one-time investment in decades, the port announced Thursday that it plans to invest more than $500 million of its revenues over the next five years to expand and upgrade its facilities.
What’s happening?
Cruise ships fill the terminal berths at Port Canaveral, during a recent six-ship day at the port.
The port plans to improve terminals and other infrastructure to enable new cruise ship arrivals and more cargo. Their plan includes improving recreational facilities such as Jetty Park, too.
“Port Canaveral has been a driving force for the Central Florida economy for over seven decades, and the continued prosperity of our Port community depends on our continued success,” Capt. John Murray, Port Canaveral CEO, said in a prepared statement. “As we look ahead to the future, our challenge is balancing the business demands we have today while positioning ourselves for continued growth.”
How is the port paying for this?
The port will pay for the work from it’s own revenue, not taxpayer dollars. The port’s operating budget last year was $192 million. It is projected to be $211 million this year.
Which terminals are expanding?
Cruise Terminals 3, 5 and 10 are slated for improvements.
The design for Terminal 5 was awarded to BEA Architects of Miami. The project will increase the terminal’s size by 65% to accommodate larger ships.
Will cruise schedules be disrupted at Terminal 5?
No. During the estimated 16-month construction period, the cruise terminal would continue to operate without interrupting scheduled ship turns.
What about Terminal 10?
The port plans to enhance terminal 10 to expand its capacity. First, by June, they’ll do a feasibility study. The project’s goals include expanding the terminal’s capacity to accommodate the world’s largest cruise ships up to 5,600 passengers and berthing up to 1,200 feet in length, port officials said.
What about Terminal 1?
Exterior upgrades at terminal 1 will begin this month and include new canopies, walkways, landscaping and lighting.
What about cargo?
The port plans to renovate its piers to improve vessel turn times. Other ongoing improvements include harbor deepening and dredging and other upgrades to accommodate larger ships.
What about recreation?
Port Canaveral’s Jetty Park , which lures almost 400,000 visitors a year, will see a new camp store, guest cabins, dog park, redesigned public boat ramps at Rodney Ketchum Park, and other improvements.
Waymer covers the environment. Reach him at (321) 261-5903 or jwaymer@floridatoday.com. Follow him on X at @JWayEnviro.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Port Canaveral invests $500 million in upgrades to port