Larger cargo ships will now be able to access Florida’s Port Canaveral as the port completed the deepening of the West Turning Basin.
The deepened basin now allows deeper draft access to the port’s container cargo facility operated by GT USA at North Cargo Berth 5 and 6.
The six-month project deepened the West Turning Basin to the authorized depth of -43 feet plus 2 feet additional overdredge, complimenting the existing authorized port channel depth of -44 feet. The channel is clear from overhead obstructions such as bridges, wires, and has no air draft restrictions, according to the port.
With the channel to the West Turning Basin and approximately 2,000 feet of quay now at -43 feet, Port Canaveral boasts one of the deepest draft and working cargo berths with no air draft limitation between Miami and Norfolk.
“The West Turning Basin deepening was necessary for Port Canaveral to allow larger cargo vessels safe access into our port,” John Murray, Port CEO , commented.
“This project opens the port to bigger, modern industrial ships… We will experience a continued growth of cargo into the region,” Murray added.
With the deepening project complete, Port Canaveral said it is currently in the bidding process to purchase a mobile harbor crane, with an 18/19 container reach. The crane is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2018.
Total cost for the project was USD 7.5 million dollars, with approximately 75 percent of the cost covered by a Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Strategic Intermodal System (SIS) grant.