SeaFreight’s terminal is a new facility on a recently completed 41-acre containerized cargo area, which created 15 percent more capacity for containerized cargo at the Port. Crowley Liner Services has also expanded its footprint, adding another 11 acres to its previous 68-acre terminal.
“We are very pleased to have been at Port Everglades from the beginning of our service almost 20 years ago, and to have worked with the Port Everglades team on the new terminal project. It represents a real milestone for our Company and a commitment to our future at the Port,” said Roland Malins-Smith, President of SeaFreight Agencies.
SeaFreight operates eight container ships at Port Everglades with twice weekly fixed-day sailings to and from the Caribbean region, which is a key market for the Port. An almost 20 year customer of Port Everglades that previously handled cargo through other terminal operators at the Port, SeaFreight has a 10-year lease agreement at Port Everglades that will grow from $2,410,000 to $4,129,163 annually including rent over the life of the agreement. Volume guarantees are expected to grow 23 percent higher than current cargo levels within the first six years.
“SeaFreight is poised to grow their business and presence in South Florida with their own container cargo terminal,” said Port Everglades Director Phil Allen. “We are pleased to put this new container yard into service because it demonstrates the Port’s success as an economic engine for the region that supports jobs and financial vitality.”
Construction of the 41-acre Southport Phase VIIA/VIII project began in April 2009 at a total cost of $12.3 million, of which half was financed through Florida Department of Transportation grants. Approximately 227 construction jobs were generated by the project and another 250 direct jobs are estimated to be supported by the new cargo terminals once they are fully operational, resulting in more than $494 million in personal income.
Port Everglades is one of the nation’s leading container ports and a trade gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean. Port Everglades has direct access to the interstate highway system, is within two miles of the FEC rail hub and is just one mile from the Atlantic Shipping Lanes. Ongoing capital improvements and expansion ensure that Port Everglades will have the ability to handle future growth in container traffic. A world-class cargo handling facility, Port Everglades serves as an ideal point of entry for products shipped around the world.