Big Ships Welcome Now At PortMiami

MIAMI, Sept. 18, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The grand celebration for the completion of PortMiami's -50/-52 ft. Deep Dredge project and On-dock Intermodal Rail took place today at PortMiami.

PortMiami is ready for the big ship era! It is the only major logistics hub south of Virginia capable of handling fully laden post-Panamax vessels. More than $1 billion of capital infrastructure projects are now complete and have transformed PortMiami to a major U.S. global gateway. 

PortMiami now offers Super Post-Panamax gantry cranes that can service cargo vessels up to 22 containers wide and up to nine containers above deck and eleven containers below. On-dock intermodal rail service in partnership with Florida East Coast Railway (FECR) today links PortMiami to 70% of the U.S. population in four days or less. Additionally, a new fast access tunnel connects the Port directly to the United States Interstate Highway System providing rapid turnaround time for the movement of import and export goods. These projects are already providing customers with the convenience of fast reliable quality service. 

"We congratulate our partner PortMiami on the completion of the Deep Dredge which will enable big ships to make a direct call," said FECR President and CEO Jim Hertwig. "We have come a long way since our On-Dock Rail ground breaking in July of 2011, to the completion of the Port Tunnel last year, and now the completion of the Deep Dredge. Today FECR runs daily Port trains with cargo going to and from global markets that reach 70% of the U.S. population in four days or less including next day service within the State of Florida and second day service throughout the Southeast."

"When bigger ships start transiting through the expanded waterway next year, deep ports like Miami will transform maritime trade on a global scale," said CEO of the Panama Canal Authority Jorge L. Quijano. "We are proud of our long-standing partnership with PortMiami and are certain that the synergies achieved through the Deep Dredge and the Panama Canal expansion projects will boost international trade and contribute to future economic growth by increasing job opportunities and revenues at both PortMiami and the Panama Canal."

Marc Bourdon, President of CMA CGM America LLC "As a leading worldwide shipping group, CMA CGM is a major actor on the revitalized US market. By dredging for deep water, PortMiami has anticipated shipping market's new expectations. The CMA CGM MARLIN calling the port for the occasion is a symbol of the importance of the US market for us: in order to provide our clients best services, CMA CGM diversifies its activities and strengthens its maritime services and logistics expertise. Today, we offer 23 lines calling 15 US ports each week and serving our clients all over the country."

"A new big ship era is here and PortMiami is ready," said PortMiami Director and CEO Juan M. Kuryla. "I am proud to say that PortMiami is now able to berth Post-Panamax ships; and we are able to expedite the movement of goods throughout Florida, the continental U.S., and the world, fast and efficiently. We are grateful to the vision of our State and local leaders for making this critical infrastructure project a reality. The completion of PortMiami's Deep Dredge and Intermodal On-dock Rail projects cannot be overstated, PortMiami is now positioned as the most reliable, convenient and efficient global hub on the North American East Coast ready to service the world's leading ocean carriers."

To learn more see PortMiami 2015 Cargo video: http://bit.ly/1NIC7Yk

About PortMiami
PortMiami is among America's busiest ports and recognized as a global gateway. PortMiami contributes more than $27 billion annually to the South Florida economy and helps generate 207,000 direct, indirect, and induced jobs. For more information please visit www.miamidade.gov/portmiami.

About Florida East Coast Railway
The Florida East Coast Railway (FECR) is a 351-mile freight rail system located along the east coast of Florida. It is the exclusive rail provider for PortMiami, Port Everglades, and Port of Palm Beach. FECR connects to the national railway system in Jacksonville, Florida, to move cargo originating or terminating there. Based in Jacksonville, Florida, FECR provides end-to-end intermodal and carload solutions to customers who demand cost-effective and premium quality.  For more information, visit www.fecrwy.com.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150918/268193

SOURCE Florida East Coast Railway; PortMiami

Related Links

http://www.fecrwy.com