Cruise industry leaders and other stakeholders have warned lawmakers the world’s cruise capital is facing a potential fuel supply crisis.
PortMiami’s fuel bunkering supply is privately owned offsite at Fisher Island. Current owner TransMontaigne Partners recently agreed to sell it to an undisclosed buyer.
New Buyer Wants to Shut Down Port’s Fuel Facility
The new buyer has reportedly indicated it plans to shut down the facility and instead repurpose it as a real estate development. The sale is expected to close in just a few weeks.
This has sparked concern with cruise industry and port authority leaders. Miami-Dade County commissioners held a special meeting to discuss the options.
A ‘Major Threat’ For the Cruise Industry
Jason Liberty, CEO Royal Caribbean Group told commissioners it represents a major threat to the industry. “No major US home port operates without fuel bunkering. If the Port of Miami were to lose this capability, the consequences would be severe,” Liberty said.
He was speaking on behalf of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association, representing all cruise line partners at the port.
PortMiami has a fuel supply agreement with Fisher Island terminal until 2027. Miami Dade Commissioner Eileen Higgins said the sale represents a “huge risk” to the port and the county’s economy. “We need to take action today,” Higgins said.
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava added that more than 300,000 jobs are potentially at risk. She said the county would consider talks with the new owner for a negotiated purchase of the facility. It that fails, it isn’t ruling out exercising its power to take over the facility through eminent domain.
Commissioners passed a motion to continue discussions for a month with the new owner over acquiring the site rather than a long-term lease. If this fails it would likely move forward and apply for a court order for a compulsory purchase.
However, not everyone is in favor. The meeting also heard from James Ferraro, of the Fisher Island Community Association.
Fisher Island is also a residential community of around 800 people. The community association has for many years lobbied to have the fuel facility shut down.
