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Port Of Miami News

02 Jan 2024

Great Ships of 2023: Icon of the Seas

Icon of the Seas (Photo: Royal Caribbean Group)

“Turku is building the real big ships,” said Meyer Turku CEO Tim Meyer.Meyer is not exaggerating. The yard’s latest newbuild, Icon of the Seas—the first ship of Royal Caribbean’s Icon class—is 248,655 GT, making it the largest cruise ship ever constructed.In general, the cruise ships rolling out of the nearly 300-year-old Finnish shipyard have been steadily increasing in size since the Meyer Group took full ownership in 2015. “We are proud to say Turku has been a first-mover in building these big new classes for Royal Caribbean…

27 Nov 2023

World's Largest Cruise Ship: Meyer Turku Delivers Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas

Icon of the Seas. (Photo: Meyer Turku / Lavea Media)

Finnish shipbuilder Meyer Turku on Monday delivered the world's largest cruise ship, the 248,655 GT Icon of the Seas, to U.S.-based Royal Caribbean International.The 365-meter-long cruise ship has 20 decks (including 18 guest decks) and surpasses the previous world's largest, Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class Allure of the Seas. With 2,805 staterooms, Icon is able to carry 5,610 passengers at double occupancy, or up to 7,600 passengers if every cabin is maxed out—another cruise industry record.

21 Sep 2020

Norwegian Cruise Line Founder Kloster Dies at 91

(Photo: Norwegian Cruise Line)

Knut Kloster, one of the founders of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. and a pioneer of the modern cruise industry, passed away on Sunday at the age of 91.“We are incredibly saddened by the loss of the visionary who not only brought our company, but our industry, to life,” said Frank Del Rio, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings president and CEO. “Knut was a pioneer in our industry and certainly ahead of his time, exploring every opportunity to be at the forefront and break boundaries.

18 Oct 2019

Fincantieri Fits New Midsection in Star Breeze

The most complex cruise ship lengthening ever undertaken is clipping along at Fincantieri’s Palermo yard.The final welding cut to Windstar Cruises’ Star Breeze was completed and  the ship’s 25.6-meter/84-foot prefabricated midsection was glided into place between the two halves in the drydock, an operation that took just half an hour.Overnight, Shipyard crews at Fincantieri Palermo had carefully split the ship, pulling the 4,000-ton bow forward centimeter by centimeter while a new 25.6-meter midsection waited on shiny black rollers at the far end of the 370-meter pit.The first Windstar ship to emerge from this transformation, Star Breeze…

06 Sep 2019

Windstar Cuts Steel for Second Star-class Ship from Fincantieri

Pictured left to right are Windstar Cruises’ Vice President of Expansion Projects John Gunner and Vice President of Fleet Operations Christopher Prelog, along with Fincantieri’s Shipyard Director Salvatore Savarese and Vice President of Ship Repair and Conversions Andrew Toso, at the Windstar Star Plus Initiative steel-cutting ceremony at Fincantieri’s yard in Palermo, Italy.

(Photo: Windstar Cruises / Mary Schimmelman)

esterday at Fincantieri’s shipyard, in Palermo, Italy, Christopher Prelog, Vice President of Fleet Operations for Seattle-based Windstar Cruises, activated the torch to make the first cut in the new steel that will become the newly constructed mid-section of the company’s new ship MS Star Legend. This is the second of three new mid-ship sections being designed and constructed as part of Windstar’s $250 million Star Plus Initiative which aimsto expand and transform the line’s three Star-class vessels.“This is a momentous day for Windstar as we reach another major milestone,” said Prelog.

05 Sep 2019

USCG's Dorian Response in Bahamas Continues

Coast Guard personnel help medevac a patient in the Bahamas during Hurricane Dorian. The Coast Guard is supporting the Bahamian National Emergency Management Agency and the Royal Bahamian Defense Force with hurricane response efforts. (Coast Guard Photo)

Coast Guard Hurricane Dorian response operations are underway in support of the Bahamas.As of Wednesday at 1000 hours:Coast Guard crews from across the Coast Guard have rescued 61 people and rescued four pets in the Bahamas since Hurricane Dorian began.The Coast Guard is currently conducting air operations based out of Andros Island, Bahamas. Other aspects f the USCG response are as follows:Port Condition Zulu is set for the Port of Palm BeachPort Condition Four for the Ports of Fort Pierce…

09 Aug 2019

Balearia Launches Florida-Bahamas Fast Ferry

Baleària Caribbean has launches a new fast-transport service linking Fort Lauderdale (Florida) with the island of Bimini in the Bahamas. The fast ferry connecting these two ports has a 650-person capacity and a maximum speed of 38 knots—35 for service—with the journey taking just under two hours.With five weekly services programmed to Bimini (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday), the number of connections could increase based on demand.The new faster ferry service from Port Everglades to Bimini replaces the previous service from the Port of Miami. Thus, Baleària Caribbean becomes the Resorts World Bimini official provider for both passengers and cargo.Adolfo Utor…

08 Aug 2019

Retail Imports at Near-Record Levels Despite Tariffs

AdobeStock / © nightman 1965

Imports at the nation’s major retail container ports are expected to continue at near-record levels this month and the remainder of the year despite a new round of tariffs on goods from China, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.“Even with virtually everything American imports from China soon to be subject to tariffs, it isn’t quick or easy for retailers to change their supply chains,” NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said.

07 Aug 2019

Maritime Recordkeeping is Serious Business

© Igor Kardasov/Adobe Stock

In addition to fuel, modern ships also run on paper or their electronic equivalent. Vessels are required to keep written or electronic records of many things – and the list is growing.There is the traditional Ship’s Log, which records the vessel’s position, course, speed, weather, and unusual events to name a few. The Oil Record Book (ORB) has been around for a long time and tracks all movement of oil throughout the vessel, including its loading, consumption, and discharge (generally via the oily water separator and overboard discharge piping).

03 Apr 2019

Fincantieri Cuts First Steel for Windstar

Fincantieri’s Vice President of Ship Repair and Conversions Andrew Toso, Shipyard Director Gianni Salvagno and Windstar Cruises’ Vice President of Expansion Projects John Gunner in Trieste, Italy (left to right). (Photo: Fincantieri)

Today at Fincantieri’s Arsenale Triestino San Marco shipyard, in Trieste, Italy, first steel was cut for the first of three new ships sections as part of Windstar Cruises’s $250 million vessel overhaul program.Windstar’s Star Plus Initiative is a complex and comprehensive small ship lengthening, engine replacement and renovation project that will see the owner renovate half of its fleet in succession. Star Breeze, Star Legend and Star Pride will be cut in half to allow the installation of a new stepped mid-body section that will lengthen each vessel by approximately 25 meters.

08 Mar 2019

Imports at Annual Low on Seasonal Lull, Tariff Worries

File Image: CREDIT AdobeStock / © Nightman 1965

With the retail industry in its annual lull between seasons and plans for a tariff increase on hold, imports at the nation’s major retail container ports are expected to drop to their lowest level in almost a year this month, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.“Now that the holiday season is over and summer has yet to crank up, this is the quiet time of year for retail supply chains,” NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said.

11 Feb 2019

Kalmar Provides Green RTG to Miami Port

Kalmar, the provider of eco-efficient cargo handling equipment and automated terminal solutions, , has signed a deal to supply six Kalmar Zero Emission Rubber-tired Gantry cranes (RTGs) to South Florida Container Terminal, LLC.The cranes will be equipped with a busbar energy system and operator assist features like auto steering and container stack profiling, said a press statement from Kalmar, part of Cargotec.The order was booked in Cargotec's 2019 Q1 order intake with delivery scheduled to be completed in early 2020. This will be the first container terminal in the United States that has 100% zero-emission RTG cranes. These are also the first RTG cranes that will be installed in the Port of Miami.South Florida Container Terminal…

11 Feb 2019

Scarlet Lady Floats Out

“Scarlet Lady”, the first of four ships which Virgin Voyages ordered to Fincantieri, touched the water for the first time for Virgin Voyages on Friday at the shipyard in Genoa Sestri Ponente.The first ship from the new cruise brand of Virgin Group  starts revenue service from the Port of Miami in April 2020.Interior fittings will now begin, leading the ship to its delivery, scheduled at the beginning of 2020, said a press release from the shipyard.The event was attended, among others, for the ship owner by Tom McAlpin, Virgin Voyages President and CEO, while Fincantieri was represented by Luigi Matarazzo, Senior Executive Vice President Merchant Ships Business Unit and Paolo Capobianco, director of the shipyard.

30 Nov 2018

Virgin Voyages to Build a Massive Terminal at PortMiami

Virgin Voyages, formerly Virgin Cruises, has unveiled its plans for a new terminal at PortMiami.Sir Richard Branson's cruise line said in a press release that the new Virgin Voyages Terminal will be located on the northwest side of the port in Miami, giving it incredible views of the city’s skyline. Construction is due to start next year and will be completed by November 2021, the beginning of the year’s cruise season.“Miami is an incredible city and one of my favourite places to work and play,” Richard Branson said. “From our headquarters for Hotels, Voyages and now Trains USA, South Florida has quickly become another home for Virgin brands in the leisure travel sector.”The new 10…

21 Mar 2018

ZIM Upgrades ZCP, Rolls-out CFX Service

The biggest cargo shipping company in Israel ZIM Integrated Shipping Services (ZIM) upgrades ZIM Container Service Pacific (ZCP) and Introduces a New Service (CFX) Connecting Jamaica, Florida & Canada. "ZIM is pleased to announce a change and upgrade of our flagship ZIM Container Service Pacific (ZCP), and the simultaneous launch of a new Canada Florida Express service (CFX), starting April 3rd," said a statement from the company. The combined synchronized change will improve transit time and service levels, and expand port coverage. CFX is a weekly, fixed-day service deploying 2x1300 TEU’s vessels. Connecting our Latin American hub in Kingston, Jamaica, with Florida and Halifax, the new service offers a fast and reliable service, smoothly connecting our regional network to ZIM mainliners.

14 Feb 2018

Interview: William P. Doyle - CEO, Dredging Contractors of America

William P. Doyle - CEO & Executive Director, Dredging Contractors of America (DCA)

William P. Doyle is the new CEO & Executive Director of the Dredging Contractors of America (DCA). Twice a U.S. Senate confirmed Presidential appointee to the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), Doyle has, over the course of a long and celebrated career, worn many prestigious hats. Prior to his FMC appointment, Mr. Doyle served on cabinet and executive level boards and committees under both the Obama and George W. Bush Administrations. Before that, he served as an officer in the U.S. Merchant Marine as a U.S. Coast Guard licensed marine engineer aboard numerous classes of vessels.

10 Oct 2017

APM Terminals Tacoma Ends Lease

APM Terminals Tacoma concluded its operations on September 30, 2017, ahead of the December 31, 2017 lease expiration date, transferring the lease to Seattle-based SSA Marine who formed a new joint venture with Matson Lines, called SSAT, starting operations October 2, 2017. APM Terminals Tacoma was used primarily by the Matson Alaska Service, with twice-weekly sailings between Tacoma, Anchorage and Kodiak, Alaska, and a weekly service between Tacoma and Dutch Harbor, Alaska, handling a combined 190,000 TEUs in 2016. APM Terminals’ U.S. portfolio includes operations at APM Terminals Pier 400 Los Angeles, the largest proprietary terminal in North America…

05 Apr 2017

APM Could Exit Tacoma

APM Terminals Tacoma has received notification from Matson, Inc., its main customer, that Matson does not intend to renew its current terminal services agreement after its expiration on December 31, 2017. Accordingly, APM Terminals is evaluating all options with respect to its existing terminal lease, which is currently set to expire on December 31, 2017. The terminal, with 12 employees, became part of the Maersk Group portfolio with the acquisition of US-based Sea-Land Service by Maersk Line in 2000. The 600,000 TEU annual throughput capacity facility was used primarily by the Matson Alaska Service, with twice-weekly sailings between Tacoma, Anchorage and Kodiak, and a weekly service between Tacoma and Dutch Harbor, handling approximately 190,000 TEUs in 2016.

02 Jan 2017

US FMC approves Miami Marine Terminal conference agreement

An agreement between two marine terminal companies located at the Port of Miami went into force yesterday, permitting those parties to seek cooperation and commonality in both business and operating matters. The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) voted today not to prevent the "Miami Marine Terminal Conference Agreement" from taking effect. The South Florida Container Terminal and the Port of Miami Terminal Operating Company filed their agreement on November 16, 2016. Under the terms of their agreement, the companies may establish a variety of common rates, rules, and practices as well as to meet to discuss these matters. "These two facilities…

29 Dec 2016

FMC Green Lights Miami Terminal Partnership

File photo: South Florida Container Terminal

An agreement between two marine terminal companies located at the Port of Miami will go into force on December 31, 2016, permitting those parties to seek cooperation and commonality in both business and operating matters. The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) voted Thursday not to prevent the Miami Marine Terminal Conference Agreement from taking effect. The South Florida Container Terminal and the Port of Miami Terminal Operating Company filed the agreement on November 16, 2016.

02 May 2016

Cruise Ship Sails from US tor Cuba for First Time in 50 Years

A cruise ship is sailing to Cuba from the U.S. for the first time in more than 50 years. The Bermuda-flagged Adonia sailed from the port of Miami carrying some 700 passengers on Sunday. Cruise firm Carnival's  Adonia left Miami bound for Havana and will also visit the ports of Cienfuegos and Santiago de Cuba on the seven-day trip. “To be a part of truly making history and preparing for an even more positive future for everyone is one of the greatest honors any company can have,” Carnival Corporation chief executive Arnold Donald said. The cruise, which sails for Carnival's Fathom "impact travel" brand, comes after Cuba loosened its policy banning Cuban-born people from arriving to the country by sea, a rule that threatened to stop the cruises from happening.

15 Feb 2015

Record 6 ships docked at Port Canaveral

Port Canaveral was jammed Sunday with both spectators and cruise ship passengers as, for the first time ever, six cruise ships tied up at the port’s docks. “It’s just a sign of things to come,” Port Canaveral Chief Executive Officer John Walsh said, as Port Canaveral battles to overtake the Port of Miami as the world’s No. 1 cruise port. The port’s first six-ship day is a symbolic milestone in that quest. Ships that were in port on Sunday included the Disney Magic at Cruise Terminal 8, the Carnival Liberty at Cruise Terminal 10, the Carnival Sunshine at Cruise Terminal 6, the Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas at Cruise Terminal 1, the Royal Caribbean Grandeur of the Seas (Port-of-Call) at Cruise Terminal 5 and the Royal Caribbean Quantum of the Seas (Port-ofCall) at Cruise Terminal 3.

18 Dec 2014

NRL Researchers Demo Ship-to-Shore Data Link

The TREC test assembly shown on the charter vessel as it enters the Port of Miami. Researchers established communications links with a similar terminal located on the roof of one of the buildings in the distance. (Photo: U.S. Naval Research Laboratory)

Scientists at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) along with Mercury Continuity (MC) have demonstrated the Tactical Reachback Extended Communications (TREC) system in the port of Miami. The NRL-developed communications technology, which provides a very high data rate transmission over long ranges, was tested as part of a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with MC and Intelligent Designs, LLC. The full-duplex connection was set up between a node on top of a 760-foot-tall building near the harbor and another on board the vessel Norwegian Sky…