Port Canaveral’s expansion plan to build a new cruise terminal on the north side of its facilities is facing opposition from Florida state officials, who argue it could jeopardize the port’s ability to support the space industry.
Given the positive impact of the space industry on the state’s economy, Florida’s Department of Transportation (DOT) gave the port more than $13 million to spend on cargo operations. However, Port Canaveral announced last May that it would use the funds to enhance cruise-related activities by building a seventh cruise terminal.
Florida Department of Commerce Secretary J. Alex Kelly and Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue have expressed concerns that prioritizing cruise expansion might undermine necessary infrastructure for space operations.
According to the Orlando Sentinel, Kelly and Perdue were explicitly concerned that the new plans would interfere with the expansion of liquified natural gas (LNG) facilities. This initiative would attract and benefit the aerospace sector.
| The two Florida officials acknowledged the importance of both industries but reminded port executives that neither must be sacrificed. “Florida’s cruise tourism and commercial space launch sectors are both vitally important. Port Canaveral bears the responsibility of housing and supporting both. We will help you do both,” they encouraged. “But in this case, the port has announced its intention to support one sector to the direct detriment of the other. That decision must, therefore, be reversed,” Kelly and Perdue concluded. |
Port Canaveral Risks Losing Funding
If Port Canaveral proceeds with its current plans, the Florida officials stressed that it could lose valuable funding, including financial resources from the DOT and the Department of Commerce (DOC).
The same letter claimed that the port would also lose the government agencies’ support regarding three recent cruise-related applications submitted to the Florida Seaport Tourism Economic Development Council.
| Port representative Steven Linden responded, assuring them that Port Canaveral is committed to addressing these issues. “The port has been an integral part of the commercial space industry’s growth and operations in our state, and our commitment to the enterprise remains strong,” the statement read. |
Port Canaveral announced plans to fast-track the development of a new cruise terminal in May. These include the construction of a 3,000-car parking facility and a flyover ramp.
Port Canaveral is the world’s second-busiest cruise port and a key launch site for orbital rockets.
