BROWARD COUNTY, FL -- Port Everglades received approval from the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) for “Marine Highway” designation for a new route connecting Port Everglades with Port Houston, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI). National Shipping of America (NSA) will be the first company to offer service on this new route. Port Everglades is the first port to receive this designation in South Florida and is among only 45 others nationwide.
“We are honored to be part of MARAD’s Marine Highway program,” said Jonathan Daniels, Port Everglades Chief Executive and Port Director. “It is a great asset to expand domestic trade via sea versus roadway and the region will benefit economically and environmentally. The route will also provide new opportunities for U.S. flagged vessels and merchant mariners. We are excited to get this program up and running.”
Marine Highways are navigable waterways that can be used as alternate options to traditional transportation methods. In NSA’s case, cargo bound for South Florida is traditionally moved by truck from Texas. The new M-10/M-95/M-2 Marine Highway will take those containers off the roads thereby reducing traffic and emissions and improving efficiency. The designation also opens up new opportunities for direct service to Puerto Rico and the USVI from Port Everglades.
MARAD’s Marine Highway Program will allow Port Everglades to apply for federal funding that can be used to modernize vessels, purchase, lease or modify equipment (containers, chassis, etc.) and enhance infrastructure at terminals.
The application for the Marine Highway designation was approved by U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao and MARAD Administrator Admiral Mark Buzby.
NSA’s first call at Port Everglades will be this Sunday, January 10.
About Port Everglades
As one of Florida’s leading economic powerhouses, Broward County’s Port Everglades is the gateway for international trade and cruise vacations. Consistently ranked among the top three busiest cruise ports in the world, Port Everglades is also one of the nation’s leading container ports and South Florida’s main seaport for receiving petroleum products including gasoline, jet fuel and alternative fuels. The Port Everglades Department is a self-supporting Enterprise Fund of Broward County, Florida government and does not rely on local tax dollars for operations. The total value of economic activity related to Port Everglades is nearly $32 billion. More than 219,000 Florida jobs are impacted by the Port, including 13,037 people who work for companies that provide direct services to Port Everglades. For more information on Port Everglades, visit porteverglades.net or e-mail PortEverglades@broward.org.
About MARAD
As an agency of the U.S. Department of Transportation, MARAD is responsible for America's waterborne transportation system. At its core, MARAD supports the technical aspects of America's maritime transportation infrastructure – ships and shipping, port and vessel operations, national security, environment, and safety – as well as promoting the use of waterborne transportation. MARAD also maintains a fleet of cargo ships in reserve to provide surge sea-lift during war and national emergencies. For more information, visit maritime.dot.gov.
DATE: January 8, 2021
MEDIA CONTACT: Ellen Kennedy
Port Everglades Business Development/Communications
PHONE: 954-468-3508
EMAIL: ekennedy@broward.org