PortMiami hits new high of 6.8m passenger movements

This occurred during the 12-month period ended Sept. 30.

Bevy of new ships

Cruise growth was driven by a variety of lines and developments.  Royal Caribbean International officially opened Cruise Terminal A, dubbed the Crown of Miami, and brought world’s largest cruise ship Symphony of the Seas. Norwegian Cruise Line welcomed Norwegian Bliss, while Carnival Cruise Line added Carnival Horizon. Viking Cruises brought Viking Star and Viking Sun, and MSC Cruises added MSC Armonia.

Long-term deals secured

PortMiami also consolidated its partnerships by securing a series of long-term deals and new terminal developments with Carnival Corp., MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and Virgin Voyages. The expanded partnerships are anticipated to generate an additional estimated economic impact to South Florida of about $7.8bn with 27,500 new direct, induced and indirect jobs annually.

During the period, the port also posted a 3.4 % gain in cargo with a total of 1,120,000 TEUs.

A leading global gateway

‘The strong performance at PortMiami, one of Miami-Dade County’s main economic engines, is great news for our community,’ Mayor Carlos Gimenez said. ‘The growth figures confirm our role as a leading global gateway and demonstrate the continuing draw of the port.’

The mayor thanked cruise and cargo partners for working with PortMiami Director and CEO Juan Kuryla and his team to extend their business relationships.

Chair of the Tourism and the Ports Committee Rebeca Sosa also acknowledged the US Coast Guard, US Customs and Border Protection, Biscayne Bay Pilots, International Longshoremen’s Association’s Locals 1416 and 1922, and the Miami-Dade police and fire departments