New master plan positions Florida’s largest port for massive growth
January 11, 2017
As 2016 came to a close, Port Tampa Bay was preparing for the future.
In December, Florida’s largest and most diversified port released details on its “Vision 2030” master plan. The new plan aims to help Port Tampa Bay grow and create new business, while building upon its existing industries.
Highlights of the master plan include developing the 45-acre Channelside real estate project, which includes waterfront parks, convention space, and upgrades to cruise gangways and berth. The Port also plans on investing $1.4 billion to dredge deeper channels, build new warehouses, and expand existing ones across their property. Port Tampa Bay also plans on investing hundreds of millions of dollars into Hooker’s Point and Port Redwing to build a refrigerated warehouse and expand berths and operations.
While the Port is busy planning for the future, major steps are being taken now to help Port Tampa Bay handle increased volume.
In December, Port Tampa Bay opened a multi-use cargo berth in the area known as Eastport. The 20-acre development offers a multipurpose cargo yard and has been designed as an all-purpose berth and upland capable of handling containers vessels, roll on/roll off activity and bulk materials handling.
“With these new cargo berths will come fresh import and export prospects and new partners for the state’s largest port, as well as new jobs and generational impacts that will have lasting, positive effects for our region,” Port Tampa Bay and CEO Paul Anderson said in the news release.
Just days later, Port Tampa Bay commissioners approved a contract with GLF Construction Corporation to build a new berth at the area known as Redwing. The project includes a 1,000-foot-long steel bulkhead, dredging, a new access road to the dock, and building a piling that will support a concrete slab for heavy lift cranes. Updates like this are a critical part of the Vision 2030 master plan, according to Port Tampa Bay employees.
For more information on Port Tampa Bay happenings, please visit tampaport.com.
