Port Manatee sees diversification in its future

Port Manatee sees diversification in its future

Port Manatee executive director David McDonald said Monday that the port should see the results of a multiyear strategy to expand facilities and diversify the port's business base in 2007.

   'In 2006, a lot of our focus was on the permitting process, but in 2007 we're going to see the results. It should be a tremendous year for us,' McDonald said in an interview with Florida Connection.

   McDonald pointed to completed improvements at Berth 5, which is devoted to breakbulk and bulk cargoes, as well as Berth 12, where planned improvements will lead to more general cargo, roll-on/roll-off and potentially container business heading into 2007.

   McDonald noted Port Manatee has long been known as a breakbulk and bulk port, and has also developed considerable refrigerated cargo business, with the most reefer warehouse space on the Gulf Coast.

   But he said the port will be expanding its reefer handling and storage capabilities and is developing its Southport project off Berth 12 to handle containerized cargo.

   'The Port of Tampa and Zim have shown the potential for containerized cargo in this area, and we think the time is right for us as well,' McDonald commented.

   Manatee has a 50-acre container storage area behind Berth 12 and has deepened the draft to 40 feet to allow access for Panamax vessels.

   Neighboring Tampa this year landed its first direct service from Asia when Zim and vessel-sharing partner Emirates Shipping started a weekly call at the port.