Marine Link
Thursday, March 28, 2024
SUBSCRIBE

Port Miami News

13 Mar 2023

Seaboard Marine Adds First LNG Vessel to its Fleet

Seaboard Marine's newly acquired LNG dual fuel containership Seaboard Blue was bunkered with LNG at PortMiami. (Photo: Seaboard Marine)

U.S.-based Seaboard Marine announced it has acquired its first vessel fueled by cleaner burning liquefied natural gas (LNG).The 1,000 TEU Seaboard Blue, previously known as the Elbblue, was retrofitted in 2017 with the capability of running on both LNG and diesel fuel. The vessel was the world’s first containership converted from conventional diesel propulsion to LNG.The vessel, now part of Seaboard Marine’s North Central America service, called and bunkered at PortMiami on Monday…

16 Feb 2023

PortMiami to Get World’s Largest Shore Power System

© dbvirago / Adobe Stock

The world's top passenger port is installing a network shore power systems for cruise ships that, once completed, will be the largest of its kind globally.PowerCon said it has been tapped as a subcontractor to deliver five systems that will supply shore power for cruise ships at PortMiami's V (Virgin), F (Carnival), A (Royal Caribbean), B (Norwegian Cruise Line) and MSC Cruise Line terminals.The Denmark-based engineering and manufacturing company said it has established a local subsidiary…

12 Apr 2022

Seafarers’ House to Honor Carnival's Arnold W. Donald

Arnold W. Donald (Photo: Carnival Corporation)

Arnold W. Donald, president and CEO of Carnival Corporation & PLC, has been selected as the recipient of Seafarers’ House International Golden Compass Award for 2022. The award is given each year to those who have achieved distinction in the maritime world, those whose vocation or avocation has been the sea, or those who have ministered to or otherwise assisted seafarers.Donald grew up in the Ninth Ward in New Orleans with 27 foster brothers and sister. His parents’ generosity made a significant impact on his life.

27 Sep 2021

Army Corps Awards Contract for Corpus Christi Channel Improvement

(Photo: Port of Corpus Christi)

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) on Friday awarded a $139 million construction contract to Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company, LLC. (GLDD), to complete the third phase of the landmark Port of Corpus Christi Ship Channel Improvement Project (CIP). The four-phase infrastructure project will increase the Corpus Christi Ship Channel depth from -47 feet Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW) to -54 feet MLLW and widen it to 530 feet, with an additional 400 feet of barge shelves.Phase 3 will extend west of the La Quinta Junction through the Chemical Turning Basin in the Port’s Inner Harbor.

08 Jul 2021

MSC Unveils New Miami Cruise Terminal

(Image: Fincantieri)

MSC Group's Cruise Division has signed a contract with Fincantieri for the construction of a new mega cruise terminal at PortMiami, a North America and the Caribbean cruise hub.The new terminal reflects an investment of approximately €350 million ($414.4 million) and will be made up of a multi-level central body to serve as many as three latest generation ships at the same time, with up to 36,000 travelers transiting every day. Designed by the award-winning global architecture firm Arquitectonica…

04 Feb 2021

Metal Shark Delivers Two Fireboats to Miami-Dade Fire Rescue

(Photo: Metal Shark)

Shipbuilder Metal Shark has delivered two of three new welded-aluminum “50 Defiant” monohull pilothouse fireboats to Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR).Designed by Metal Shark’s in-house engineering team and built to Lloyds Registry Standard, the welded-aluminum monohull pilothouse fireboats “FB-21” and “FB-73” were acquired to boost MDFR’s maritime firefighting capability and will replace existing vessels in its fleet.Compared to MDFR’s outgoing vessels, the new 55’ x 17.5’ Metal Shark fireboats offer faster speeds enabling shorter response times…

15 Jan 2021

Meyer Turku Cuts Steel for Carnival's Next Mega Cruise Ship

The Carnival Celebration steel cutting ceremony was attended by Carnival’s Senior Vice President of New Builds Ben Clement and Meyer Turku’s CEO Tim Meyer. (Photo: Carnival Cruise Line)

Finnish shipbuilder Meyer Turku held a steel cutting ceremony for Carnival Cruise Line's next Excel-Class ship, the 180,000-gross-ton Carnival Celebration, slated to debut from PortMiami in 2022.The newbuild is a sister ship the 5,200-passenger Mardis Gras—the largest vessel in the Carnival fleet—delivered in December 2020. Like Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration will run on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and include BOLT, the first roller coaster at sea, along with unique design features created specifically for this vessel, and new signature venues that will be specific to this ship.

22 Oct 2020

Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Moving Its HQ to Houston

(Photo: Great Lakes Dredge & Dock)

Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co. announced Thursday it is moving its corporate headquarters to Houston, positioning the nation’s largest dredging services provider nearer to major regional projects and opportunities. The firm will also open regional offices in Jacksonville, Fla., and Staten Island, N.Y.The move to Houston from from Oak Brook, Ill., which stems in part from changing industry dynamics, places the company closer to key regional customers and new markets, especially along the Gulf Coast and the Mississippi River…

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.

30 Jul 2020

Op/Ed: Federal Support for Ports is Critical

© dbvirago / Adobe Stock

Florida’s seaports are one of the state’s greatest economic assets, positively affecting every region and every resident. Our seaports have a $117.6 billion economic impact across Florida and account for more than 900,000 direct and indirect jobs, while linking our communities to vital national and international markets.During the COVID-19 crisis, ports across the country have sustained mounting losses. Ports that specialize in moving hard-hit cargoes like steel and automobiles, or depend on tourism and cruise ships are also particularly vulnerable.

07 Jul 2020

Carnival: Delivery of Mardi Gras Delayed due to COVID-19

(Photo Meyer Turku)

Carnival Cruise Line has said that the delivery of its new ship Mardi Gras, the first LNG-powered cruise ship to operate in the Western Hemisphere, will be delayed due to COVID-19. The same goes for Carnival's Carnival Radiance ship. The company has also been forced to cancel several itineraries between November 2020 and May 2021."Carnival Cruise Line will be notifying guests and travel agents on Tuesday of revisions to the delivery of its newest ship, Mardi Gras, as well as the…

26 Feb 2020

Seven Seas Splendor Named in Miami

Godmother and international icon Christie Brinkley named Seven Seas Splendor in a star-studded ceremony during black-tie festivities Friday evening at PortMiami.The Luxury ocean cruise line Regent Seven Seas Cruises stated that Seven Seas Splendor is the sister of 2016's Seven Seas Explorer."Every ship we launch gets even better, and Seven Seas Splendor is magnificent," said Frank Del Rio, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. "The collaboration between the designers, engineers, craftsmen, hotel and restaurant teams and the crew on board all brings the renowned Regent experience to life on this beautiful ship."Seven Seas Splendor is helmed by 30-year veteran Captain Serena Melani…

14 Feb 2020

US Ports Get More Than $280 Mln in MARAD Grants

© John McQuiston / Adobe Stock

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Maritime Administration (MARAD) announced that it has awarded more than $280 million in discretionary grant funding through the new Port Infrastructure Development Program. This funding is designed to improve port facilities at or near coastal seaports.The Port Infrastructure Development Program supports efforts by ports and industry stakeholders to improve facility and freight infrastructure to ensure our nation’s freight transportation needs, present and future, are met.

23 Sep 2019

Carnival to Expand Terminal F at PortMiami

Carnival Cruise Line expressed appreciation today to the Miami-Dade County Commission for approving a proposal for a complete renovation and major expansion of Cruise Terminal F at PortMiami that will be capable of supporting the operations of Carnival's new Excel class ship – clearing the way for the yet-to-be-named sister ship of Mardi Gras to be homeported in Miami when it is delivered in 2022."With today's approval, we will move quickly on a plan to remodel and expand Terminal F so that it will accommodate the most innovative class of ship to join our fleet," said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. "Over the last several months…

25 Jul 2019

DOT Secretary Chao Announces Infrastructure Grants

DOT Secretary Elaine L. Chao

Department Proposes $856 Million in INFRA Grants. The U.S. Department of Transportation today announced $855,950,000 in proposed grants through the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) discretionary grant program. “This significant federal investment will improve major highways, bridges, ports, and railroads around the country to better connect our communities, and to enhance safety and economic growth,” said Secretary Elaine L. Chao. INFRA discretionary grants support…

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…

12 Jul 2018

MSC Cruises Plans New Terminal at PortMiami

(Photo: MSC Cruises)

MSC Cruises is eyeing further growth in the North American with a new expansion project in Miami, the cruise line’s exclusive homeport in the U.S. The company announced it has signed an agreement for extended preferential berthing rights as well as of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the construction of a new Cruise Terminal AAA at PortMiami.“The new agreement and expanded partnership with PortMiami and Miami-Dade County is another key step forward in the business growth of MSC Cruises…

12 Apr 2018

PortMiami Approves Norwegian Cruise Line Terminal

Miami-Dade County has given the green light for construction to begin on the sleek new terminal for Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) terminal, designed by Miami-based architecture firm Bermello Ajamil & Partners. The county will invest up to USD 100mln to build 166,000-square-foot terminal at PortMiami, augmented by funds coming from Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. Commissioners also agreed to advance project costs not to exceed an additional $65m. The terminal will be able to accommodate ships with up to 5,000 passengers, feature indoor and outdoor waiting areas, faster embarkation and disembarkation technology, expedited security screening and include a new parking garage, a valet area and lounge.

07 Dec 2016

Norwegian Cruise Line Approved to Sail to Cuba

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. announced that it has received approval from the government of the Republic of Cuba to operate cruises to Cuba, beginning March 2017. All three of the company’s brands, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, will offer U.S. travelers the opportunity to visit the country on select sailings starting next year. The company’s first cruise to Cuba will set sail from PortMiami on Oceania Cruises’ Marina on March 7, 2017 with select Caribbean itineraries featuring calls on Havana. Seven Seas Mariner, of the Regent Seven Seas Cruises fleet, will call on Havana during two cruises in April 2017. Norwegian Sky will also offer a selection of four-day voyages that will overnight in Havana in May 2017.

02 Mar 2017

Panama Canal Expansion Boosts US East Coast Port Volumes

File photo: ACP

As the Panama Canal’s newly operational expanded lane helps set monthly tonnage records, the project’s impacts are being felt along the U.S. East Coast. Effects of the canal’s expansion are reverberating well-beyond Panama’s shores, as ports around the world are in varying stages of work to deepen and widen their channels to accommodate the growing number of Neopanamax vessels that can now transit the canal. Now nearly one year on from the first vessel transit through the expanded waterway, many ports are benefitting, particularly those along the U.S. East Coast.

24 May 2017

Meyer Werft Lays Keel of Norwegian Bliss

Norwegian Cruise Line president and CEO Andy Stuart and MEYER WERFT managing partner Tim Meyer at the keel laying for Norwegian Bliss. (Photo: NCL

A keel laying ceremony was held for Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL) new cruise ship Norwegian Bliss at the shipbuilder Meyer Werft’s facility in Papenburg, Germany. During the ceremony, one of the keel blocks of the 167,800 gross ton vessel was lifted into the covered building hall, signifying a major milestone in the ship’s construction. NCL president and CEO Andy Stuart laid the traditional coin, etched with the outline of the ship’s signature hull designed by wildlife artist Wyland, before the block was lowered into place.

27 Jun 2017

Melting Sea Ice: A Canary in the Coal Mine

© André Gilden / Adobe Stock

The rapid loss of Arctic sea ice is a sentinel. Most of us will never venture into the Arctic, but it can and does provide us with a forewarning of impacts coming to our parts of the Earth – and some of the most significant impacts will directly affect the maritime industry. In earlier times, coal miners were sometimes overcome by the buildup of odorless carbon monoxide gas. Some died as a consequence. Eventually it was realized that canaries were more susceptible to the gas than were humans.

17 Oct 2016

Florida's First Ocean-to-Air Transhipment

Already the busiest port of entry in America for international air freight, Miami International Airport will soon be able to receive perishable freight imports by sea as well – a first for any Florida airport – through a permit approved in September by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The first ocean-to-air trans-shipment is expected at MIA before the end of the year. “Congratulations to MIA and Port Miami, our County’s two largest economic engines, on collaborating to generate new revenue and better serve our local cargo industry,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez. Customized Brokers, a subsidiary of Crowley Maritime Corp.…