Posted on December 11, 2017
By Hailey Desormeaux, American Shipper
Port Canaveral has completed a project that deepened the West Turning Basin to the authorized depth of 43 feet (plus two feet of additional overdredge), complementing the existing authorized port channel depth of 44 feet, the port said in a statement Thursday.
The six-month project allows deeper draft access to the port’s container cargo facility operated by GT USA at North Cargo Berth 5 and 6.
Over 826,000 cubic yards of dredged material was removed by San Rafael, Calif.-based dredging contractor, Dutra Group.
The channel is clear from overhead obstructions, such as barges and wires, and does not have any air draft restrictions.
“The West Turning Basin deepening was necessary for Port Canaveral to allow larger cargo vessels safe access into our port,” Port Canaveral CEO Captain John Murray said.
Although 80 percent of Port Canaveral’s revenues are generated from the cruise business, the port is equipped to handle a variety of cargo, including containers, breakbulk, roll-on/roll-off, project and bulk commodities, according to the port’s website.
Looking ahead, Port Canaveral said it is currently in the bidding process to purchase a mobile harbor crane with an 18/19 container reach. The port anticipates the crane will be fully operational by the end of 2018.
Source: American Shipper
