Juan M Kuryla News

Today, another milestone agreement was reached as Panama Canal Administrator and CEO Jorge L. Quijano and PortMiami Director Juan M. Kuryla renewed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to promote trade opportunities and share best customer practices. The renewal of the MOU—which extends the 13 year-plus alliance enjoyed by both parties—demonstrates the value of the Panama Canal and its commitment to US East Coast ports. It also coincides with a ceremony held by PortMiami to celebrate the arrival of the MOL Majesty, the first Miami-bound Neopanamax vessel to transit the expanded Canal. Owned by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd, the MOL Majesty measures 302 meters (990.81 feet) in length and 43.4 meters (142.39 feet) in beam, and called upon the port amidst much fanfare.

The completion of the PortMiami deep dredge project, which deepens the port’s main harbor channel from 42 feet to a depth of 52 feet to accommodate Post-Panamax ships, was announced by Florida Governor Rick Scott. Of the total $220 million cost for the channel deepening, the state of Florida invested $112 million and Miami-Dade County invested $108 million. Governor Scott announced plans to fully fund the $77 million federal shortfall for the port dredging project in March 2011 so that Florida could take advantage of enhanced international trade with the widening of the Panama Canal.

Florida East Coast Railway (FECR) and PortMiami, through a strategic alliance, are offering the Sunshine Gateway service, which includes on-dock intermodal rail capabilities. This seamless ship to rail transfer allows the port to handle additional volumes and ensures that shipments move more quickly and efficiently with the potential to reach 70 percent of the United States population in four days or less. "Our goal has always been to facilitate the process of cargo shipments for fast and efficient delivery to our customers," said Juan M. Kuryla, PortMiami Director.