Master plan calls for Port expansion, but do officials want to rock the current boat?
Could the 165-acre Port of Palm Beach become a Port Everglades or a Port Miami?
Probably not because of geographic limitations, but it still has the potential for significant growth during the next 20 years, according to a draft master plan prepared by Moffatt & Nichol, a Fort Lauderdale-based marine consultant.
Despite the success of Margaritaville At Sea (The Palm Beach Post reported last month that the Jimmy Buffet-branded company has generated more than $1 million in unexpected revenue for the Port), the study urges that the Port consider making improvements to its terminal to attract even larger cruise ships.
Expanding its berth from 722 to 860 feet could result in it accommodating much larger cruise ships that could accommodate as many as 2,000 passengers. The result could lead to as many as 2 million passengers a year cruising out of the port, four times the current figure.
Searching for more space, Port of Palm Beach may call for the relocation of some tenants
But Port Executive Director Michael Meekins said extending the berth would involve too much work, noting: "Right now, we are pleased working with our cruise partner, Margaritaville at Sea, and the current vessel they have homeported at Port of Palm Beach.”
The report pointed out that the Port's proximity to major airports and highways makes it easily accessible for both residents and those flying in from other parts of the country. But without expansion, the size of vessels and ability to do greater levels of business are limited.
It noted that Port Miami, Port Everglades and Port Canaveral continue to improve facilities for larger vessels. It also noted that having a single-cruise operator “casts risk on the overall business line” if the Port loses the business.
The report recommended that a parking garage for cruise passengers be built. Currently, only valet parking is offered.
The master plan is only a guide to help commissioners plan for the future
The study, which helps guide future endeavors, reviewed all aspects of port operations. The plan is designed to set forth a vision to ensure the commercial success of its tenants and to ensure greater economic and social benefits to local residents, businesses and other public and private stakeholders in the region. Port commissioners are not bound to adopt all of its recommendations.
The Port is an independent special taxing district, covering a land area of 971 square miles or roughly half of Palm Beach County. It currently does not impose property taxes although it has the power to do so. It obtains its revenue through leases with tenants and federal and state grants.
With the recommended improvements, the master plan envisions cruise-passenger traffic and cargo movement more than doubling, and cement imports more than tripling. But for that to occur, tens of millions of dollars in infrastructure improvements will need to be undertaken.
How was your experience? Tell us: Have you cruised on the popular Margaritaville at Sea?
Recommendations for the Port of Palm Beach
Expand its base to the north from 10th Street to 11th Street in Riviera Beach to allow for the leasing of additional warehouse space to new tenants. The Port has already hired a real estate company to help it acquire the land.
Consider buying off-site properties to support cargo growth and to relocate some on-site tenants.
Partner with Florida East Coast Rail to transition cargo movement from trucks to rail to reduce traffic congestion, especially in Riviera Beach. The move would also help reduce emissions.
Improve and widen slips and berths to accommodate future growth for the import of cement. In the 2021 fiscal year, Cemex imported 17,000 tons of concrete. When it and a second company, Ozinga, are fully operating, the master plan expects that figure to reach 400,000 tons a year.
The Port will always be challenged by its constraining site boundary and its limited opportunity to expand, according to the report, noting: “Therefore, the Port needs to look at expanding its reach with offsite properties and logistic centers that support cargo movement.”
The report also recommends that the Port explore the concept of a rail barge to Mexico. It suggests that negotiations begin with Grupo Mexico, the owner of the FEC railway in Florida and the largest rail owner in Mexico. A rail barge is already in operation between the Port of Mobile, Alabama and the Port of Coatzacoalcos in Mexico. Rail cars are loaded onto a barge that then transports them between the two ports.
The Port has added improvements to attract more tenants and business
Since 2000, the Port has added the $30 million “Skypass” bridge, a $15 million cruise terminal and a $15 million maritime office complex. It also opened a South Gate Entrance, along with a 40,000-square-foot warehouse and a four-acre cargo transfer terminal.
The Port is already a thriving operation, processing $15 billion in commodities, 2.5 million tons of cargo and 400,000 cruise passengers a year. It is the fourth busiest container port in Florida and the country’s 18th busiest container port.
There is a shortage of warehouse operations in Palm Beach County, and an inland logistics center would be a benefit for the movement of goods for all of South Florida, according to the master plan. “The Port should be a champion of an inland logistics center and, in conjunction with other South Florida ports and regional stakeholders, support further studies and evaluation,” it said.
Area residents can comment on the draft plan until July 27. Comments can be submitted to planportofpalmbeach@publicinput.com.
Port of Palm Beach commissioners are expected to present the master plan to county commissioners for their review later this year. The county is then expected to act on the plan in December. Meekins said Port management was pleased to see a significant increase in public participation during recent public hearings.
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"We had just over 100 people attend the hybrid meeting, with 80% participating online. This last public meeting was important to us because we worked several months with our consultant to address the concerns shared by the public during last year’s public meetings. We hope the public noticed that we listened to their feedback and took it all into consideration when drafting the plan.”
Mike Diamond is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. He covers Palm Beach County government and transportation. You can reach him at mdiamond@pbpost.com. Help support local journalism. Subscribe today
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Could Port of Palm Beach ever be a Port Everglades or a Port Miami?
