Canaveral looks to create inland port

In addition, it is looking at the potential of moving containerised cargo by a domestic “marine highway” or via international feeder services from other ports to Central Florida.  The projects would increase the port’s hinterland reach to the US Southeast and Midwest.

The moves come as a result of the project to dredge and widen three and a half miles of the approach channel, starting this autumn.  With 60 acres available for container and cargo terminal development, the port is building two new deep-water berths to provide an additional 567 m (1,872 ft) facility, for which it has purchased two post-Panamax quay cranes.

“An inland port will create a commerce hub and expand opportunities for business creation, retention and attraction in North Brevard.  In addition, it will help us offer a complete multi-modal transportation system with sea, land, air, and space links,” said Canaveral Port Authority Commission vice chairman, Jerry Allender.