South Florida’s Port of Palm Beach on March 23 celebrated the completion of a $30 million upgrade project, including the full redesign and automation of the main entrance, expanded truck lanes to improve traffic flow, installation of radiation portal monitors for improved security, and the complete rehabilitation of 6.5 miles of on-port rail track.
The project was supported through strategic partnerships with the Florida Department of Transportation and the United States Maritime Administration.
Class II Florida East Coast Railway serves the docks and piers through the port’s industrial rail switching operations, which include pier-side box, hopper, and intermodal cars operating 24/7. The 165-acre port, located in Riviera Beach (80 miles north of Miami), offers cruise and cargo services to more than 30 onsite tenants and users, and processes more than $12 billion in commodities, 2.8 million tons of cargo, and more than 300,000 cruise passengers annually. It has three slips, 17 berths, and four roll on/roll off ramps for 6,500 linear feet of berthing space to accommodate vessels up to 700 feet long and 100 feet wide.
“This project represents a major investment in efficiency, safety, and the long-term strength of our Port,” Port of Palm Beach Executive Director Michael Meekins said. “By modernizing our gate and rail systems, we are reducing truck wait times by 50%, lowering emissions, and ensuring that the Port of Palm Beach remains competitive in a rapidly evolving global supply chain.”
“Tropical Shipping has been operating at the Port of Palm Beach for more than 60 years,” noted Tim Martin, President and CEO of company. “The Port of Palm Beach has been a good partner in our expansion of our service to the Caribbean and there is no doubt this transformative project will add a higher level of safety and security for the users of the Port. We congratulate the Port of Palm Beach and express our appreciation to the United States Maritime Administration (MARAD) for financing this grant request. The Port is already a well-rated Port, and these improvements will take us to a first-class level port facility.”
“The Port of Palm Beach’s completion of a Port Infrastructure Development Program grant six months ahead of schedule, reflects strong partnerships and dedication,” MARAD Deputy Administrator Sang H. Yi commented. “The U.S. Maritime Administration is proud to support this investment, which advances modernization, improves efficiency and safety, and creates stronger supply chains while supporting jobs.”
