PortMiami surpassed their previous world record in cruise passenger totals with an all time high total of 6,824,000 passengers
2019 was a record year for PortMiami. In collaboration with its partners, they closed their fiscal year having experienced gains and increases in all areas which included a 3.4% gain in cargo with a total of 1,120,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (teu’s). They also surpassed their previous world record in cruise passenger totals with an all time high total of 6,824,000 passengers, a 22% increase from before.
Given the diverse balance of global trade and the more than $1 billion in infrastructure improvements which offer shippers a strategic hub equipped to handle larger vessels, PortMiami was able to surpass the 1 million teu mark for the fifth consecutive year. Thanks to improvements that made this possible, the port has witnessed the benefits of being able to service larger ships which in turn has led to less vessel calls and an increase in the use of crane lifts. With these efforts in place, the port has been able to reduce impacts to the environment while still being able to sustain its growth.
The port’s growth on its cruise side has been strengthened by new business development. On Cruise Terminal A. Royal Caribbean International officially opened the terminal - The Crown of Miami - with the celebration of the arrival of the Symphony of The Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship. Other cruise lines also welcomed new vessels to the port. Norwegian Cruise Line had the Norwegian Bliss. Carnival Cruise Line brought in its new Carnival Horizon. Viking Ocean Cruises introduced two ships, the Viking Star and the Viking Sun. Also, the MSC Armonia was welcomed by MSC Cruises.
PortMiami also secured a series of long-term deals and new terminal developments which helped to consolidate its partnerships with MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Carnival Corporation, Virgin Voyages and Terminal Link Miami. With these expanded partnerships the port anticipates generating about $7.8 billion as an additional economic impact to South Florida with and added 27,500 new direct, induced and indirect jobs annually.
Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez stated, “The strong performance at PortMiami, one if Miami-Dade County’s main economic engines, is great news for our community. The growth figures confirm our roles as a leading global gateway and demonstrates the continuing draw of the port.” Furthermore, the mayor also added, “I am proud of what we have been able to accomplish. I want to thank our cruise and cargo partners for working with Juan M. Kuryla, PortMiami’s Director and CEO, and with his team on extending their business relationships. Everyone stands to gain from sustainable growth at our seaport. I will continue to work with the port and its partners on additional opportunities.”
“The development of PortMiami would not be possible without its dedicated partners which include the cargo and cruise lines, the U.S. Coast Guard, Biscayne Bay Pilots, U.S. Custom and Border Protection, Miami-Dade Police and Fire departments and the International Longshoremen’s Association Locals 1416 and 1922, among other,” said Rebeca Sosa, Chairwoman of the Tourism and Ports Commission. “New facilities which will include cruise terminals and berths are in the works to accommodate a new generation of vessels. I’m so proud of PortMiami, where its heading and what it has accomplished.”
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