US vehicle processing company, Autoport, will begin operations at Port Canaveral’s automotive terminal in January next year.
The port, in Brevard County, Florida, is leasing approximately 65,000 sq.m at its new terminal to Autoport for operations, with an option to expand.
“We are excited to partner with AutoPort and provide our new auto terminal for such a forward-thinking, innovative company,” said Port Canaveral’s CEO John E. Walsh. “With nearby rail links to Norfolk Southern and CSX from our inland port region and ro-ro links to Mexico, Dominican Republic, Panama, and Honduras, the future looks bright for AutoPort which will translate into new business opportunities and jobs for Central Florida.”
AutoPort’s president and CEO Roy Kirchner added that it was the company’s intention to bring a diversified business approach and strategy to Port Canaveral and focus on growth in all facets of automotive processing, modification and terminal handling.
Last month NYK started a monthly service from Port Canaveral to Central and South America. Ambassador Services will be the vessel agent and terminal operator, and Ceres will provide the stevedoring for NYK.
Port Canaveral is also currently working on a Rail Extension Project to link the existing Florida East Coast mainline railroad with the north cargo area at the Canaveral Port. The project is expected to be complete by 2018. Currently the Titusville Norfolk Southern Intermodal Terminal is accessible by truck and the Florida East Coast Railway is accessed via an intermodal terminal located 15 minutes from the port.
The port’s commissioners have recently approved $104.7m in new financing for cargo and cruise projects.
