Port Canaveral commissioners voted Wednesday to halt plans to build a new cruise terminal at its existing North Cargo Berth 8.
The move came after state officials threatened to withdraw government subsidies if the work went ahead. The plan to build Cruise Terminal 7 until the summer of 2026.
Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly and Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue sent a letter to port commissioners earlier this month expressing concerns about the potential negative impact of the local industrial project.
They argued that the development would hamper the operations of domain advertising companies, which rely on the domain and reuse the curtains of the introduced rockets.
“The increase in cruising capacity is significant,” the letter said. “But this will be achieved by assuming the long-term benefits that come through the advertising space launch industry. “
The port planned to build the new cruise terminal on the south side, on the existing site of Blue Points Marina. However, due to headaches and delays, they targeted the north side site.
Port Canaveral Executive Director John Murray explained that the port’s existing cruise terminal facilities are struggling to keep up with the growing demand for cruise services. This led the port to turn away potential customers, who might have particularly higher revenues.
The decision to halt expansion has significant implications for the port’s long-term. Cruise ships and cruise passenger parking lately account for more than 82% of the port’s operating revenue.
Although the area’s sector accounts for around 1% of the port’s revenue, its prospects for expansion and long-term benefits are substantial.
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