Florida Seaport System Plan - SeaCIP

Florida Seaport System Plan
• Both Atlantic and Gulf seaports have a wide range of trade partners. These
are based in part on the ability of steamship lines to call on multiple
facilities. For example, Tampa will be competitive in attracting service
from lines that call Mobile and Houston. Shifts in the future will be
dependent on the ports’ abilities to handle the vessels in service, as well as
provide efficient market connectivity/accessibility.
• Florida’s system of seaports faces domestic and international competition.
Domestic competition comes from neighboring states; international
competition comes from existing and new transshipment facilities in the
Caribbean and Central America. Domestic competition is driven by
proximity to hinterland markets, development of distribution center,
warehousing, and landside transportation infrastructure, and timely service.
In addition, the proximity of light to heavy industry can be a factor.
International competition has the same considerations, but often also
includes labor costs and regulatory requirements.
Table 3.1 provides a summary of markets, services, and competitors for each
region in Florida.
3-10 Florida Department of Transportation
December 2010