Canaveral Port Authority Approves Construction of New Multi-Purpose Berth

1/25/2018

North Cargo Berth 8 features a heavy lift dock to accommodate
Spaceport operations and a diversified cargo portfolio

Port Canaveral aerial view. Location of North Cargo Berth 8
indicated by “star” in the above photo
(Photo: Canaveral Port Authority)

Port Canaveral, FL – A new multi-purpose cargo berth at Port Canaveral was given the green light at the Canaveral Port Authority Board of Commissioners meeting this week. Commissioners voted unanimously to move forward with building a new North Cargo Berth 8 (NCB8) to accommodate a growing cargo portfolio that includes commercial spacecraft components. The landside and waterside investment on the Port’s north side will provide the infrastructure and flexibility needed to meet an increased demand for diversified cargo handling capabilities at the Port.

“We are experiencing the highest demand for bulkhead space in the history of our Port. Prudent development of cargo sites to maximize their use is critically important to meet the growing needs of today, while building our capabilities for the future,” explained Port CEO Captain John Murray. “This new multi-purpose berth will enhance our ability to manage cargo opportunities being driven by the rapid economic growth in Central Florida.”

Site of North Cargo Berth 8 (shown above) will support
heavy lift cargo and Spaceport operations
(Photo: Canaveral Port Authority)

The 900-foot seawall and planned 100-foot pier extension will be capable of handling an 850-foot ship. The berth will be constructed with a 2,000 lbs. per-square-foot capacity, a necessary requirement for handling aerospace cargo and other heavy project cargo. The berth will be dredged to a depth of -35 ft (MLLW).

Orion Marine Group of Tampa, Florida has been awarded a $17.9 million dollar contract for construction of the bulkhead and seawall, relieving platform and dredging. Construction is expected to begin in March 2018 with a scheduled completion of the entire project targeted for mid-2019.

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ABOUT PORT CANAVERAL

Led by the elected five-member Canaveral Port Authority Board of Commissioners and Port Director and CEO, Captain John Murray, Port Canaveral is one of the world's most dynamic and exciting ports. A world-class gateway for cruises, cargo, recreation and logistics, as well as a gateway to new frontiers, including space, Port Canaveral hosts more than 4 million revenue cruise passengers through its state-of-the-art terminals and 5.5 million of tons of cargo annually, including bulk, break-bulk, project, and containerized. The Port is strategically located to service all Florida markets, as well as the Southeastern United States. In addition to world class cruise facilities and diverse cargo operations, Port Canaveral offers more recreational opportunities than all other Florida deep-water seaports combined, including public parks, free public boat ramps, marinas, an entertainment district, and the seven-story interactive exhibit and event venue Exploration Tower. For more information, visit www.PortCanaveral.com.

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