Port Everglades chalks up $33b economic clout

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'The significant economic impact numbers demonstrate that we’re squarely back in the ring and ready to maintain our standing as a leading seaport in Florida,' CEO and Port Director Jonathan Daniels said
Port Everglades’ newly released annual economic impact report shows a powerful pandemic recovery with the cruise, cargo and energy sectors all up.

Martin Associates' review calculated the port drove $33b in economic activity during fiscal 2022 including $1.18b in state and local taxes, 9,584 direct local jobs and 216,543 Florida statewide jobs supported.

'The significant economic impact numbers demonstrate that we’re squarely back in the ring and ready to maintain our standing as a leading seaport in Florida with diverse business lines that allow us to be the port of choice for oceangoing cargo and cruise guests,' CEO and Port Director Jonathan Daniels said.

Up from $30b in fiscal 2021

There was a nearly 10-point increase in economic activity compared to the previous year’s $30b, and that upward trend is seen across the board in the fiscal 2022 report.

Port Everglades’ three business lines recorded notable increases. Cargo had some record months for volumes with sailings from new markets in India, Asia and the Mediterranean. The port also saw an uptick in cruise traffic to mostly Caribbean destinations, and forecasts more than 3.6m passenger movements in fiscal 2024. The energy sector saw its second highest volume in port history.

Disney to begin year-round service

Disney Cruise Line selected Everglades as its second year-round homeport, with plans fully under way to open this fall.

And this week saw the arrival of MSC Mediterranean Shipping Co.'s Santana service, which connects Southeast Asia to the US.

Port Everglades will be able to accommodate larger vessels with three additional super post-Panamax gantry cranes arriving later this year.