View source for PortMiami

{{About|the primary seaport of Miami, Miami-Dade, Florida, USA|other uses|Port Miami (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox Port
| name = PortMiami
| image = Port of Miami Florida.jpg
| image_size = 300px
| image_caption = A January 2008 aerial view of PortMiami in [[Miami]], the world's largest passenger port and one of its busiest
| country = [[United States]]
| location = [[Miami]], Florida, U.S.
| coordinates = {{Coord|25|46|27|N|80|10|16|W|region:US_type:landmark}}
| pushpin_map = USA
| pushpin_map_geomask = yes
| locode = USMIA<ref name="Locode-1">{{cite web |title=UNLOCODE (US) - UNITED STATES |url=https://service.unece.org/trade/locode/us.htm |website=service.unece.org |access-date=23 September 2020}}</ref>
| draft_depth = 43 ft.<ref name="fap-1">{{cite web |title=Port of Miami, U.S.A. |url=https://www.findaport.com/port-of-miami|website=www.findaport.com |publisher=Shipping Guides Ltd |access-date=23 September 2020}}</ref>
| opened = 
| operated = 
| owner = 
| type = Natural/Artificial
| sizewater = 
| sizeland = 
| size = 
| berths = 
| wharfs = 
| piers = 
| employees = 176,000<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/business-at-port-of-miami-slows-down-to-a-trickle/ | title=Coronavirus Impact: Cargo Side of PortMiami Still Chugging Despite 15-20% Drop - CBS Miami | website=[[CBS News]] | date=16 April 2020 }}</ref>
| leadershiptitle = Port Director
| leader = Hydi Webb
| arrivals = 2,489
| cargotonnage = 7.42 million
| containervolume = 
| cargovalue = 
| passengertraffic = 4.33 million
| revenue = $94.70 million
| profit = 
| website = [http://www.miamidade.gov/portmiami PortMiami]
| blankstatstitle1 = Formerly
| blankstats1 = Port of Miami
}}
{{Florida ports}}

The '''Port of Miami''', styled as '''PortMiami''' and formally known as the '''Dante B. Fascell Port of Miami''', is a major [[seaport]] located in [[Biscayne Bay]] at the mouth of the Miami River in [[Miami]], Florida. It is the largest [[passenger port]] in the world and one of the largest [[cargo port]]s in the United States.

The port is located on Dodge, Lummus and Sam's Islands, which is the combination of three historic islands (Dodge, Lummus and Sam's Islands) that have since been combined into one. It is connected to [[Downtown Miami]] by [[Florida State Road 886|Port Boulevard]]—a [[causeway]] over the [[Intracoastal Waterway]]—and to the neighboring [[Watson Island]] via the [[Port of Miami Tunnel|PortMiami Tunnel]].<ref name=MH>{{cite news|last1=Chardy|first1=Alfonso|title=Decades after conception, Miami has a port tunnel|url=http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/05/17/4121264/decades-after-conception-miami.html|access-date=June 6, 2014|publisher=Miami Herald|date=May 17, 2014}}</ref> It is named in honor of 19-term Florida Congressman [[Dante Fascell]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.miamidade.gov/portmiami/press_releases/2014-09-04-historic-marker-unveiled.asp | title=PortMiami makes history - Historic Marker Unveiled | publisher=Port of Miami | date=September 14, 2014 | access-date=November 15, 2014}}</ref><ref name=":15">{{cite web|title=Contact PortMiami|url=http://www.miamidade.gov/portmiami/contact-us.asp|website=PortMiami|publisher=Miami-Dade County|access-date=16 June 2017}}</ref>

As of 2023, PortMiami accounts for approximately 334,500 jobs and has an annual economic revenue of $43 billion to the state of [[Florida]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite journal|title=PortMiami Port Guide 2018-2019.|url=https://www.miamidade.gov/portmiami/library/stats-brochure-2019.pdf|journal=PortMiami}}</ref><ref name=":16">{{Cite web |last=Sreeharsha |first=Vinod |title=How the cruise capital of the world came back from COVID. What it means for Miami port |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/business/article282924828.html |website=Miami Herald}}</ref>

==History==
In the early 1900s, [[Government Cut]] was dredged along with a new channel to what now is known as Bicentennial Park in downtown Miami.<ref>{{cite web|title=PortMiami Government Cut Bicentennial|url=http://www.miamidade.gov/portofmiami/centennial.asp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060213195135/http://www.miamidade.gov/portofmiami/centennial.asp|url-status=dead|archive-date=2006-02-13}}</ref> This new access to the mainland created the Main Channel which greatly improved the shipping access to the new port. From these original dredging spoils which were disposed on the south side of the new Main Channel, new islands were inadvertently created which later became Dodge, Lummus and Sam's Island along with several other smaller islands.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nucorskyline.com/file%20library/document%20library/english/case%20studies/cs_portmiami_en.pdf |title=PortMiami Cruise Terminal: Miami, Florida}}</ref>

PortMiami's improved shipping access and growth of the South Florida community led to an expansion of the port. On April 5, 1960, Resolution No. 4830, "Joint Resolution Providing for Construction of Modern Seaport Facilities at Dodge Island Site" was approved by the Dade County Board of Commissioners. On April 6, 1960, the City of Miami approved City Resolution No. 31837 to construct the new port. The new port on Dodge Island required expansion of the island by joining it together with the surrounding islands.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.miamidade.gov/portmiami/library/2035-master-plan/introduction-sec-1.pdf |title=2023 Master Plan |publisher=MiamiDade.gov |page=1}}</ref> After the seawalls, administrative buildings, and a vehicle and railroad bridge were completed, Port of Miami operations were moved to the new Dodge Island port. Additional fill material enlarged the connected Lummus and Sam's islands as well as the North, South and NOAO slips, creating a completely artificial island for PortMiami.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.freightwaves.com/news/freightwaves-classics-portmiami-handles-cargo-and-cruises |publisher=Freight Waves |title=FreightWaves Classics: PortMiami handles cargo and cruises |author=Scott Mall |work=FreightWaves |date=April 27, 2021}}</ref>

The port is officially named after Florida House of Representatives member [[Dante Fascell]], who served for four decades from 1955 to 1993, and died in 1998.

In 1993, the first dredge of PortMiami occurred, deepening it to {{convert|42|feet}}.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/business/article214376334.html|title=Despite recent dredge, PortMiami still can't fit some large ships. New project in the works|last=Herrera|first=Chabeli|date=8 July 2018|website=Miami Herald}}</ref> In 2006, a $40 million project to expand the South Harbor finished.<ref name=":0" /> In 2011, a project to reconnect PortMiami to the mainland via railroad began.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://miami.cbslocal.com/2011/07/15/groundbreaking-for-50m-port-of-miami-rail-project/|title=Groundbreaking For $50M Port Of Miami Rail Project|date=2011-07-15|language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-14}}</ref> In 2013, a dredging project began to deepen the harbors around PortMiami from {{convert|44|to|52|feet}}.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://miami.cbslocal.com/2013/11/24/dredging-underway-at-portmiami/|title=Dredging Underway At PortMiami|date=2013-11-24|language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-14}}</ref> In April 2019, the Miami-Dade Tourism and Ports Committee approved a deal for Royal Caribbean Cruises to build a new office and parking garage on Dodge Island.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/business/tourism-cruises/article229185019.html|title=Royal Caribbean unveils new $300M office plan for PortMiami that will look like a ship|last=Dolven|first=Taylor|date=15 April 2019|website=Miami Herald}}</ref>

==Today==
=== Cruise ship operations ===
[[File:Royal caribbean Terminal A at PortMiami (March 11, 2024).jpg|thumb|Royal caribbean Terminal A at PortMiami in March 2024]]
[[File:Virgin Atlantic Cruise Ship and Cruise Terminal Miami Florida June 2023 -3.jpg|thumb|Virgin Voyages at Terminal V]]
PortMiami is the busiest cruise/passenger port in the world.<ref>{{cite web|title=PortMiami 2017 Cruise Guide|url=http://www.miamidade.gov/portmiami/library/2017-cruise-guide.pdf|website=miamidade.gov|publisher=PortMiami|access-date=16 June 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=See which Florida cruise ports are among the largest in the world|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/morning_call/2015/06/see-which-florida-cruise-ports-are-among-the.html|website=bizjournals.com|publisher=Orlando Business Journal}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=The World's Busiest Cruise Ports|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/cruises/galleries/the-worlds-busiest-cruise-ports/|publisher=The Telegraph|access-date=16 June 2017}}</ref> It accommodates major cruise lines such as [[Carnival Cruise Lines|Carnival]], [[Royal Caribbean International|Royal Caribbean]], [[Norwegian Cruise Line|Norwegian]], and [[MSC Cruises|MSC]], among others, and also serves as the homeport of the largest cruise ship in the world by gross tonnage, ''[[Icon of the Seas]].'' Over 7.2 million cruise passengers pass through the port each year (FY2023/2024).<ref name="florida">{{Cite web |title=2023-2024 Seaport Mission Plan |url=https://flaports.org/wp-content/uploads/2023-2024-Seaport-Mission-Plan.pdf}}</ref>

As of July 2024, there are nine operating passenger terminal facilities at PortMiami: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, J, and V. Of the nine, there are three facilities that are purpose-built for a specific company, while other companies share the other terminals. Other company-specific facilities are in their planning or construction stages.{{Citation needed|date=July 2024}}

==== Current passenger terminals ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:left; font-size:95%; line-height:20px"
|-
! Terminal
! Allocation
|-
! A
|This facility exclusively serves cruise lines that are part of [[Royal Caribbean Group]], and handles the world's largest class of cruise ships, the [[Icon-class cruise ship|''Icon''-class]] ships.<ref>{{Cite web|date=June 28, 2016|title=Royal Caribbean Signs Agreement With Miami-Dade County to Build World-Class Cruise Terminal|url=http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7657052-royal-caribbean-miami-dade-cruise-terminal/|access-date=September 11, 2019|website=Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.|language=en}}</ref><ref name="Diaz">{{Cite web |last=Diaz |first=Johnny |date=November 5, 2018 |title=Royal Caribbean opened a new terminal at PortMiami. Here's a look inside. |url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/travel/florida-cruise-guide/fl-fea-royal-caribbean-new-terminal-port-miami-20181105-story.html |access-date=September 11, 2019 |website=[[Sun-Sentinel]]}}</ref>
|-
!B
|This facility exclusively serves cruise lines that are part of [[Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings]].<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=PortMiami - Cruise Terminals - Miami-Dade County |url=https://www.miamidade.gov/portmiami/cruise-terminals.asp |access-date=2019-09-11 |website=www.miamidade.gov}}</ref><ref name=":6" />
|-
! C
|This facility primarily serves cruise lines that are part of [[MSC Cruises]].<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":6">{{Cite web|url=https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=1761|title=Miami Cruise Port Address, Parking & Information - Cruise Critic|website=www.cruisecritic.com|language=en-us|access-date=2019-09-11}}</ref> 
|-
! D
|This facility primarily serves cruise lines that are part of [[Carnival Corporation & plc]].<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":6" />
|-
! E
|This facility primarily serves cruise lines that are part of Carnival Corporation & plc.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":6" />
|-
! F
|This facility primarily serves [[Carnival Cruise Line]].<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":6" />
|-
! G
|This facility primarily serves cruise lines that are part of [[Royal Caribbean Group]].<ref name=":6" />
|-
! J
|As PortMiami's boutique cruise terminal, it primarily serves smaller vessels and luxury cruise lines, such as [[Oceania Cruises]] and [[Regent Seven Seas Cruises]].<ref name=":2" />
|-
!V
|This facility exclusively serves [[Virgin Voyages]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Staff|first=C. I. N.|date=2022-02-14|title=Virgin Voyages Opens New Terminal V in Miami|url=https://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/26803-virgin-voyages-opens-new-terminal-v-in-miami.html|access-date=2022-02-18|website=www.cruiseindustrynews.com|language=en-gb}}</ref>
|}

==== Terminals and projects ====
[[File:Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) Terminal B at PortMiami (March 11, 2024) 01.jpg|thumb|Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) Terminal B at PortMiami in March  2024]]
[[File:MSC shared terminal under construction at PortMiami (March 11, 2024).jpg|thumb|MSC-shared Terminal AA/AAA under construction in March 2024]]
On June 28, 2016, [[Royal Caribbean Group]] announced plans for a new {{convert|200000|ft2|adj=on}} facility that would redevelop "Terminal A" at PortMiami. It would be Royal Caribbean's homeport and be fully capable of serving larger [[Oasis-class cruise ship|''Oasis''-class]] ships.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-06-28 |title=ROYAL CARIBBEAN SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH MIAMI-DADE COUNTY TO BUILD WORLD-CLASS CRUISE TERMINAL |url=https://www.royalcaribbeanpresscenter.com/press-release/1269/royal-caribbean-signs-agreement-with-miami-dade-county-to-build-world-class-cruise-terminal// |access-date=2024-08-05 |website=www.royalcaribbeanpresscenter.com |language=en}}</ref> The terminal, dubbed the "Crown of Miami," was completed in November 2018.<ref name=":2" />

On March 7, 2018, [[Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings]] announced plans for a new {{convert|166000|ft2|adj=on}} facility that would redevelop "Terminal B" at PortMiami. It would be fully capable of serving Norwegian's largest ships, the [[Breakaway-class cruise ship|''Breakaway'' Plus-class]] ships. Norwegian originally intended to open the terminal, dubbed the "Pearl of Miami," by fall 2019, but budgeting issues and the [[COVID-19 pandemic]] postponed its opening date until August 2021, when Terminal B officially serviced its first cruise ship.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Scheckner |first=Jesse |date=2019-08-13 |title=As PortMiami rides high, more development deals on horizon |url=https://www.miamitodaynews.com/2019/08/13/as-portmiami-rides-high-more-development-deals-on-horizon/ |access-date=2019-10-07 |website=Miami Today |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Tribou |first=Richard |date=7 March 2018 |title=Norwegian Cruise Line to build new Miami terminal |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/florida-cruise-guide/os-norwegian-cruise-line-portmiami-terminal-20180307-story.html |access-date=2019-09-11 |website=orlandosentinel.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Norwegian Cruise Line needs more time, bigger budget for PortMiami terminal |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/news/2019/06/11/norwegian-cruise-line-to-ask-for-more-time-bigger.html |access-date=2019-09-11 |website=www.bizjournals.com}}</ref><ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Staff |first=CIN |date=2018-03-07 |title=Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Announces New Terminal at PortMiami |url=https://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/18674-norwegian-cruise-line-holdings-announces-new-terminal-at-portmiami.html |access-date=2018-03-09 |language=en-GB}}</ref>

On November 28, 2018, [[Virgin Voyages]] announced plans to build a new {{convert|100,000|ft2|adj=on}} terminal located on the northwest side of PortMiami.<ref name=":2" /> On September 19, 2019, Virgin Voyages finalized the $150 million contract with Miami-Dade County to begin redeveloping the area currently occupied by "Terminal H", which would be renamed "Terminal V" upon completion.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |last1=Hanks |first1=Douglas |last2=Dolven |first2=Taylor |date=September 19, 2019 |title=PortMiami creating 'Terminal V' for Virgin Voyages cruise ships |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/business/tourism-cruises/article235272702.html |website=[[Miami Herald]]}}</ref> This facility effectively replaced "Terminal H".<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Stieghorst |first=Tom |date=November 28, 2018 |title=Virgin Voyages building Miami terminal: Travel Weekly |url=https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Virgin-Voyages-building-Miami-terminal |access-date=September 11, 2019 |website=Travel Weekly |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":9" /> Prior to August 2019, "Terminal H" was primarily occupied by FRS Caribbean, which operated a ferry service between Miami and [[Bimini]] in the [[Bahamas]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=FRS Caribbean {{!}} Ferry Services From Miami to Bimini, Bahamas |url=https://www.frs-caribbean.com/ |access-date=2019-09-11 |website=FRS Caribbean |language=en |archive-date=2021-11-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211119162000/https://www.frs-caribbean.com/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=":5" />{{update inline|date=June 2024}} The new terminal is designed to be the homeport for Virgin Voyages' first two vessels, the [[Scarlet Lady]] and the [[Valiant Lady (ship)|Valiant Lady]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Diaz |first=Johnny |date=28 November 2018 |title=Virgin Voyages debuts plans for new cruise ship terminal in Miami |url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/travel/florida-cruise-guide/fl-bz-virgin-voyages-new-terminal-miami-20181128-story.html |access-date=2019-09-11 |website=sun-sentinel.com}}</ref> "Terminal  V" was completed in February 2022.<ref name=":2" />

On September 19, 2019, [[Carnival Cruise Line]] announced that it had received approval from Miami-Dade County for an expansion of its company's facilities at PortMiami by renovating and expanding "Terminal F", making it the company's third passenger facility at the port and the company's largest terminal in North America, at {{convert|471,500|ft2}}.<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=C. I. N. |date=2019-09-19 |title=Carnival to Expand Terminal F at PortMiami to Accommodate 2022 Newbuild |url=https://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/21600-carnival-to-expand-terminal-f-at-portmiami-to-accommodate-2022-newbuild.html |access-date=2019-09-20 |website=www.cruiseindustrynews.com |language=en-gb}}</ref> The terminal was completed on February 14, 2023 to coincide with the debut of Carnival's second {{sclass2|Excellence|cruise ship|0}} vessel, [[Carnival Celebration]], which is currently homeported in Miami.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-02-14 |title=Lemartec Completes PortMiami Cruise Terminal F Expansion Project On Time and On Budget – Lemartec |url=https://www.lemartec.com/2023/02/17/lemartec-completes-portmiami-cruise-terminal-f-expansion-project-on-time-and-on-budget/ |access-date=2024-08-02 |language=en-US}}</ref> The terminal will be operated by Carnival under a 20-year lease.<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":10" /><ref name=":16" />

In July 2018, [[MSC Cruises]] announced plans to build "Terminal AA/AAA" for its upcoming {{sclass2|World|cruise ship|0}} cruise ships, a forthcoming class of cruise ship with an approximate [[gross tonnage]] of 215,800 tons. On September 19, 2019, MSC and [[Miami-Dade County, Florida|Miami-Dade County]] finalized the contract to construct the new facility.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web|url=https://therealdeal.com/miami/2019/09/19/msc-cruises-gets-green-light-for-300m-terminal-project-at-portmiami/|title=MSC Cruises gets green light for $300M terminal project at PortMiami|date=2019-09-19|website=The Real Deal Miami|language=en-US|access-date=2019-09-20}}</ref> The new $300 million building will span {{convert|16.7|acre}} and include two berths capable of operating simultaneously, separately named as "AA" and "AAA," and be operated by MSC under a 62-year lease.<ref name=":8" /> In September 2018, it was announced that [[Disney Cruise Line]] had entered into an agreement with Miami-Dade County to plan for a brand-new terminal, "Terminal K", on the south side of PortMiami and east of Terminal J. The inauguration of the terminal was expected to coincide with Disney's expansion into Miami with two vessels homeported at the port in the mid-2020s.<ref name=":7" /> The construction of the terminal would have been dependent on improvements made to the port's infrastructure that could have enabled Disney's vessels to operate on the south side of the port. Dates for groundbreaking and completion were not announced at the time of announcement.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web|url=https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Disney-plans-to-build-terminal-in-Miami-for-year-round-cruises|title=Disney plans to build Miami terminal for year-round cruises: Travel Weekly|website=www.travelweekly.com|language=en|access-date=2019-09-11}}</ref><ref name=":2" /> However, in July 2020, in light of the [[COVID-19 pandemic]] and its economic repercussions, PortMiami issued a new proposal that accommodates MSC's difficulties in receiving financing for the project by amending the ground lease, while also granting the port additional time to prepare the site for the project prior to turning over the premises to MSC.<ref name=":3">{{Cite news|last=Kalosh|first=Anne|date=14 July 2020|title=PortMiami proposes MSC Cruises' mega terminal provide joint facilities for Disney|work=Seatrade Cruise News|url=https://www.seatrade-cruise.com/news/portmiami-proposes-msc-cruises-mega-terminal-provide-joint-facilities-disney|access-date=14 July 2020}}</ref> Additionally, in an effort to reduce costs for its expansion projects, the port issued an accompanying resolution requiring the new MSC complex to share facilities with Disney Cruise Line, and will require Miami-Dade County to establish a new berthing rights agreement with Disney Cruise Line based on the proposal (Disney later announced that it would pursue a dedicated terminal at [[Port Everglades]]).<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-04-06 |title=Disney Cruise Line docking at Port Everglades starting next year |url=https://www.wptv.com/news/state/broward/disney-cruise-line-docking-at-port-everglades-starting-next-year |access-date=2025-03-21 |website=WPTV News Channel 5 West Palm |language=en}}</ref> Construction of "Terminal AA/AAA" began in March 2022,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-03-11 |title=Construction Begins at PortMiami on U.S.'s Largest Cruise Terminal |url=https://maritime-executive.com/article/construction-begins-at-portmiami-on-u-s-s-largest-cruise-terminal |access-date=2024-08-01 |website=The Maritime Executive |language=en}}</ref> and was expected to be completed in 2024.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Chrusciel |first=Brittany |date=July 11, 2018 |title=MSC Cruises to Build Second Cruise Terminal in Miami |url=https://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=8751 |access-date=July 12, 2018 |website=Cruise Critic |language=en-us}}</ref><ref name=":2" /> The terminal officially opened on April 5, 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-04-05 |title=MSC CRUISES OPENS WORLD'S LARGEST CRUISE TERMINAL, POISED TO REDEFINE THE GUEST EXPERIENCE THROUGH CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY |url=https://www.mscpressarea.com/en_US/press-releases/msc-cruises-opens-world-s-largest-cruise-terminal-poised-to-redefine-the-guest-ex/ |access-date=2025-04-06 |website=www.mscpressarea.com |language=en-US}}</ref> In the future, a third birth will added to operate up to three cruise ships simultaneously.<ref name=":11">{{Cite web |date=2024-07-30 |title=World's largest cruise terminal nears PortMiami opening |url=https://www.miamitodaynews.com/2024/07/30/worlds-largest-cruise-terminal-nears-portmiami-opening/ |access-date=2024-08-05 |website=Miami Today |language=en-US}}</ref>

Royal Caribbean Group also announced plans to redevelop "Terminal G" at PortMiami. A larger terminal would be constructed, and would be able to accommodate larger [[Oasis-class cruise ship|''Oasis''-class]] and [[Icon-class cruise ship|Icon-class]] ships. Demolition of the old terminal began in July 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2025-07-10 |title=Work Underway At 'Signature' $345M Royal Caribbean Terminal |url=https://www.thenextmiami.com/work-underway-at-signature-345m-royal-caribbean-terminal/ |access-date=2025-07-23 |website=The Next Miami |language=en-US}}</ref> The new terminal is expected to be completed in winter of 2027.<ref name=":11" />

=== Container ship operations ===
[[File:Port of Miami container ship.jpg|thumb|PortMiami, the world's largest passenger port and one of its busiest container ports]]
As the "Cargo Gateway of the Americas," the port primarily handles containerized cargo with small amounts of breakbulk, vehicles and industrial equipment. It is the largest container port in the state of Florida and ninth in the United States.

Over 9.6 million tons of cargo and over {{TEU|1 million|first=yes}} (FY 2018/2019) of [[intermodal container]] traffic move through the seaport per year. The economic impact from cargo operations at PortMiami to Florida amounts to $35 billion.<ref name=":1" />

As of 2021, nearly 1,000 cargo ships docked at the port.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{Cite web |title=PortMiami - Statistics at a Glance - Miami-Dade County |url=https://www.miamidade.gov/portmiami/statistics.asp |access-date=2024-03-20 |website=www.miamidade.gov}}</ref> In terms of TEU, China is PortMiami's largest trade partner, while Honduras is ranked first in terms of trade value.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> Computers represent the port's most valuable export, while insulated wire and cable are considered the most valuable import.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Port Miami |url=https://ustradenumbers.com/port/port-miami/ |access-date=2024-03-20 |website=US TradeNumbers |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Design and infrastructure ===
The port currently operates eight passenger terminals, six [[gantry crane]] wharves, seven Ro-Ro (Roll-on-Roll-off) docks, four refrigerated yards for containers, break bulk cargo warehouses and nine gantry container handling cranes. In addition, the port tenants operate the cruise and cargo terminals which includes their cargo handling and support equipment.

To retain the port's competitive rank as a world-class port, in 1997 the port undertook a redevelopment program of over $250 million which is well underway to accommodate the changing demands of cruise vessel operators, passengers, shippers and carriers. To further resolve accessibility, the [[Port of Miami Tunnel|PortMiami Tunnel]] was constructed in 2010 and completed in 2014, providing direct vehicle access from the port to the [[Interstate 95|interstate highway system]] via [[Florida State Road 836|State Road 836]], thereby bypassing congestion in downtown Miami.<ref name=MH/>

As part of the massive PortMiami redevelopment program, new ultramodern cruise terminals, roadways and parking garages have been constructed. Additionally, a new gantry crane dock and container storage yards have been constructed along with the electrification of the gantry crane docks to include the conversion of several cranes has been completed. In addition, the Port acquired two state-of-the-art super post-panamax gantry cranes which are amongst the largest in the world; able to load and unload 22 container (8 foot wide each), or nearly 200 foot, wide mega container ships. This, along with the planned [[Deep Dredge Project]], would make it possible for PortMiami to facilitate even the future largest containerships in the world, the [[Maersk Triple E Class]]. The new and restructured roadway system with new lighting, landscaping and signage greets visitors to the 'Cruise Capital of the World and Cargo Gateway of the Americas'. The roadways will change again with the completion of the PortMiami Tunnel. And to enhance cargo port accessibility, the newly constructed Security Gates opened at the end of 2006 to increase the processing rate for container trucks and help eliminate the daily traffic backups.

==Tunnel and Deep Dredge==
{{Main|PortMiami Tunnel|PortMiami Deep Dredge Project}}
{{Update section|date=November 2020}}
Four major projects directly and indirectly related to PortMiami are expected to increase both the capacity and efficiency of the port: the expansion of the [[Panama Canal]], the [[Port of Miami Deep Dredge Project|PortMiami Deep Dredge Project]], the [[Port of Miami Tunnel|PortMiami Tunnel]], and the restoration and upgrade of the bridge and rail line connecting PortMiami to the mainland.

On May 24, 2010, construction began on the [[Miami port tunnel|Miami Port Tunnel]], a $1 billion project providing a much-needed direct connection from the port to [[Interstate 395 (Florida)|I-395]]. Prior to the tunnel's completion, the only way to enter and exit the port was via surface streets through downtown Miami. Construction on the tunnel finished in 2014.

Another major development for the PortMiami was the [[Port of Miami Deep Dredge|PortMiami Deep Dredge]] project, enabling Super Post [[Panamax]] Megaships to enter the United States after the completion of the Panama Canal expansion in 2014. The ports of Norfolk, New York and Baltimore have also deepened their ports to the required 50 feet. It is estimated that this project could double Miami's cargo business in the next 10 years as well as creating over 30,000 permanent jobs for Miami, which currently has a very high unemployment rate.

There were plans to build a [[soccer-specific stadium]] at PortMiami. The plans were proposed by a group, led by [[David Beckham]], seeking to bring a [[Major League Soccer]] team to [[Inter Miami CF|Miami]].<ref>[http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2014/01/28/miami-dade-officials-set-begin-negotiations-david-beckhams-group-over-soccer Report: David Beckham, MLS Commissioner Don Garber to address Miami expansion plans next week | MLSsoccer.com<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> The group has stated that they would fund such a stadium privately, but there has been opposition on multiple grounds, including the added traffic to downtown Miami and the impact on wildlife.{{citation needed|date=May 2021}} The stadium has now been relocated to a [[Miami Freedom Park|new site]].

{{wide image|Port of Miami 20071208.jpg|1000px|alt=PortMiami is the world's busiest cruise ship port and headquarters to many of the world's largest cruise companies. From left to right: [[MS Europa (1999)|Hapag-Lloyd Europa]], [[Norwegian Sky]], [[MS Nautica|Oceania Nautica]], [[Carnival Valor]], [[Carnival Imagination]], [[Carnival Liberty]], [[Liberty of the Seas|Royal Caribbean Liberty of the Seas]], [[Semester at Sea|MV Explorer]]|PortMiami is the world's busiest cruise ship port, and is headquarters to many of the world's largest cruise companies. From left to right: [[MS Europa (1999)|Hapag-Lloyd ''Europa'']], ''[[Norwegian Sky]]'', [[MS Nautica|Oceania ''Nautica'']], ''[[Carnival Valor]]'', ''[[Carnival Imagination]]'', ''[[Carnival Liberty]]'', ''[[Liberty of the Seas]]'', and [[Semester at Sea|MV ''Explorer'']]}}

==Railroad access==
[[File:FEC line track repair to Port of Miami.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|The rail line being renovated, November 2011]]
In 2011, PortMiami was awarded a federal grant, as part of the [[Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery]] (TIGER) program, to restore a connection between the [[Florida East Coast Railway]]'s yard in [[Hialeah, Florida|Hialeah]] and  PortMiami, directly connecting the port to [[Rail transportation in the United States|rail networks]] across the United States,<ref name="nbcmiamijuly15"/> as well as re-establishing the port's on-dock rail capability (loading and unloading directly between ships and trains).<ref name="railwayagejuly13">{{cite news|url=http://www.railwayage.com/breaking-news/miami-port-rail-link-construction-set-3308.html |title=Miami port rail link construction set |publisher=[[Railway Age]] |date=July 13, 2011 |access-date=2011-07-16 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927134249/http://www.railwayage.com/breaking-news/miami-port-rail-link-construction-set-3308.html |archive-date=September 27, 2011 }}</ref> The railroad bridge connecting the port to the mainland was damaged by [[Hurricane Wilma]] in 2005, at which time service was suspended.<ref name="miamidade.gov">{{cite web|url=http://www.miamidade.gov/portofmiami/newsletter/news3final.html|title=Back to the Future: Port of Miami & Florida East Coast Railway?|publisher=MiamiDade.gov|year=2010|access-date=2011-03-30|archive-date=2010-09-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100903183716/http://www.miamidade.gov/portofmiami/newsletter/news3final.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> The project was scheduled to be finished in time for the completion of the other projects in 2014.<ref name="miamiherald 20100821">{{cite news|url=http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/08/21/1785682/port-of-miami-puts-rail-project.html|title=Port of Miami puts rail project on fast track|author=Alfonso Chardy|publisher=[[Miami Herald]]|date=August 21, 2010|access-date=2011-03-30}} {{Dead link|date=April 2012|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> The rail project is related to another scheme to increase PortMiami's capacity; an inland intermodal center, known as Flagler Logistics Hub, to be built near the airport on 300 acres of land in [[Hialeah]].<ref name="miamitoday 20110310">{{cite news|url=http://www.miamitodaynews.com/news/110310/story7.shtml|title=Million-square-foot Flagler logistics hub key piece of Miami's international trade puzzle|author=Zachary S. Fagenson|publisher=[[Miami Today News]]|date=March 10, 2011|access-date=2011-03-30}}</ref>

There was some opposition to the railroad line being returned to service, with claims that it would be as much of a problem to downtown traffic as container trucks, and that the noise would be a disturbance to nearby residents. However, trains are occasional and will be reserved for specialty freight, such as oversized loads and hazardous materials, which will be banned from the tunnel.{{citation needed|date=October 2014}} As well, trains will be able to travel at up to {{convert|30|mph|-1|abbr=on}} on the newly renovated line, in contrast to the old limit of {{convert|5|mph|0|abbr=on}},<ref name="wsvnjuly15">{{cite news|url=http://www.wsvn.com/news/articles/local/21004844394580/|title=Port of Miami rail connection breaks ground|publisher=[[WSVN-TV]]|date=July 15, 2011|access-date=2011-07-16}}</ref> and so will be able to cross [[Biscayne Boulevard]] in 90 seconds.<ref name="bizjournalsjuly15"/> The current plan is for the line to be strictly for intermodal services, with the project including a rail yard and station at the port. However, a passenger station may be added in the future.<ref name="miamidadetiger">{{cite web|url=http://www.miamidade.gov/portofmiami/tiger_II_grant.asp|title=TIGER II Grant|publisher=Miami-Dade.gov|year=2010|access-date=2011-04-11|archive-date=2010-11-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101111025601/http://www.miamidade.gov/portofmiami/tiger_II_grant.asp|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The cost of restoring the rail link between the port and the Hialeah Railyard was estimated at $46.9 million, $28 million of which was applied for through a federal grant in 2010.<ref name="miamiherald 20100821"/> Later that year, a grant of $22 million was awarded for this project,<ref name="portofmiamicargo">{{cite web|url=http://www.edwardredlich.com/2010/10/port-of-miami-cargo/|title=Port of Miami Cargo|date=October 14, 2010|publisher=Edward Redlich|access-date=2011-04-06}}</ref> as well as to build an on site intermodal rail yard at the port. During the 2000s the percent of [[Florida East Coast Railway]]'s business has increased from around 60% to around 80% intermodal freight.<ref name="sunsentinelapril">{{cite news|url=http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2011-04-11/news/fl-jhcol-fec-railroad-panama-hertwig-20110411_1_port-everglades-port-director-fec|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120820021250/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2011-04-11/news/fl-jhcol-fec-railroad-panama-hertwig-20110411_1_port-everglades-port-director-fec|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 20, 2012|title=Historic Florida railroad has eyes on business from wider Panama Canal|date=April 4, 2011|author=James R. Hertwig|publisher=Sun-Sentinel|access-date=2011-04-13}}</ref> However, this was partially due to a decrease in other freight traffic caused by the 2008 recession, which reduced the number of trains, many carrying rock aggregate used in construction, from about 20 to 14 per day.<ref name="sfbusjournal">{{cite web|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/print-edition/2011/04/01/florida-east-coast-railway-pulls-the.html|title=Florida East Coast Railway pulls the throttle on intermodal business|date=April 1, 2011|author=Kevin Gale|publisher=South Florida Business Journal|access-date=2011-04-14}}</ref>

There was a plan to start a passenger service connecting [[Jacksonville, Florida|Jacksonville]] to Miami using the FECR mainline, with stops at popular tourist attractions. The State of Florida had provided $116 million of the $268 million needed to fund that project.<ref name="conservativeamerican">{{cite web|url=http://www.amconmag.com/cpt/2011/04/13/a-test-for-florida%E2%80%99s-governor/|title=A Test for Florida's Governor|date=April 13, 2011|author=William Lind|publisher=The Conservative American|access-date=2011-04-14}}</ref> The remaining funding for the passenger line is expected to come from a federal grant, and the remaining funding to fix the local freight line from the Port to Hialeah is supposed to come from the [[Florida East Coast Railroad]] (FEC) at $10.9 million, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) at $10.9 million, with the PortMiami itself<ref name="miamiherald 20100821"/> providing $4.8 million.<ref name="bizjournalsjuly15"/> (The passenger service never began; however, the plan was effectively replaced by [[Brightline]].) In April 2011, Atlas Railroad Construction was chosen to rebuild the line, which was to be completed by 2012 and was estimated to remove 5% of the road traffic from the port.<ref name="miamitodayjune2">{{cite news|url=http://www.miamitodaynews.com/news/110602/story2.shtml|title=Florida East Coast Rail line to haul 5% of cargo trucks from Port of Miami|date=June 2, 2011|author=Zachary Fagenson|publisher=Miami Today|access-date=2011-06-02}}</ref> On July 15, 2011, a ground-breaking ceremony marking the beginning of the rail link project, which is expected to create over 800 jobs and generate $33.38 million in wages, was performed by [[US Senator]] [[Bill Nelson (politician)|Bill Nelson]], Secretary of Transportation [[Ray LaHood]], Miami-Dade Mayor [[Carlos A. Giménez|Carlos Giménez]], and Miami city mayor [[Tomás Regalado (American politician)|Tomás Regalado]].<ref name="bizjournalsjuly15">{{cite news|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/news/2011/07/15/fec-rail-project-starts---800-jobs.html|title=FEC rail project starts – 800 jobs expected|author=Ashley D. Torres|publisher=South Florida Business Journal|date=July 15, 2011|access-date=2011-07-17}}</ref> The project has been named the ''PortMiami Intermodal and Rail Reconnection Project''.<ref name="nbcmiamijuly15">{{cite news|url=http://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/Port-of-Miami-Rail-Project-Groundbreaking-125643573.html|title=Port of Miami Rail Project Groundbreaking|author=Jeanette Sheppard, Hank Tester|publisher=[[NBC Miami]]|date=July 15, 2011|access-date=2011-07-16}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Florida tourism industry]]
* [[Transportation in South Florida]]
* [[United States container ports]]
* [[Port Canaveral]] and [[Port Everglades]] previously surpassed PortMiami cruise traffic

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
* [http://www.miamidade.gov/portmiami/ Official website]
* [https://www.wirefan.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/portmiami-map.pdf PortMiami Map]

{{Greater Miami}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Port Of Miami}}
[[Category:County government agencies in Florida]]
[[Category:Seaports]]
[[Category:Cruise seaports]]
[[Category:Cargo seaports]]
[[Category:Transportation in Miami]]
[[Category:Ports and harbors of the Florida Atlantic coast|Miami, Port of]]
[[Category:Port of Miami]]
[[Category:1960s establishments in Florida]]