MSC Group’s cruise division and Fincantieri have signed a contract for the construction of a new mega cruise terminal at PortMiami.
The new terminal, to be built by Fincantieri Infrastructure Florida, represents an investment of around €350 mill.
It will consist of a multi-level central body to serve as many as three latest generation ships simultaneously, with up to 36,000 travellers transiting every day.
Designed by architecture firm Arquitectonica, the new terminal is due to be completed by December, 2023.
The terminal will be able to accommodate MSC’s largest and most environmental cruise ships, including the company’s newest flagship ‘MSC Seashore’, which is currently nearing completion at the Fincantieri’s Monfalcone shipyard and due to be deployed out of Miami when she enters service later this year, as well as the line’s future LNG-powered ‘World’ class ships.
In line with PortMiami’s plans to enable shore power connectivity, the company’s ships using the port will be ready to plug in to the local power grid at the berth.
Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of the MSC Cruises, said: “For the past over 35 years MSC Group has been an important partner for the US economy through our growing role as one of the world’s leading container shipping businesses, as well as terminal operators for cargo and passengers alike. In this, Miami in particular has always been a key hub for both and the new MSC Terminal at PortMiami consolidates our overall presence in this important maritime centre.
”Thanks to the Italian flair that Fincantieri will undoubtedly contribute to this project just like they do to many of our ships, this new state-of-the-art terminal will become a Miami landmark of style, as well as comfort, for passengers passing through what’s considered the cruise capital of the world.
“Moreover, it will serve as a platform to support and sustain the expansion of our Cruise Division across the region and in the Caribbean for years to come.
“It will also allow us to deploy there some of our most modern and environmentally high performing vessels, representing together with our other investments in the US our commitment to the local market, our trade partners and guests,” he said.
Giuseppe Bono, Fincantieri CEO, added: “Miami is undoubtedly the centre of world cruise tourism, as well as being the ideal hub for the entire Caribbean area, and is therefore the perfect showcase to host a work that will be representative of the best of made in Italy.”
In addition to facilities for passenger services, the new terminal building will include office areas, a multi-level parking for at least 2,400 vehicles and a new road connection.
Under the terms of the contract, Fincantieri will build two new berths of 750 m in total length. Miami-Dade County will contribute a third berth.
The project also includes the construction of the sea-to-shore infrastructure, including water supply stations and four passenger embarkation decks.
