Florida Seaport System Plan - SeaCIP

Florida Seaport System Plan
Figure 3.13 Total Containers by State for 2005-2009
20
18
16
14
Millions
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
Source: American Association of Port Authorities.
Florida’s competitive position is in large part due to its continued growth in
seaport capacity and rapid growth in population. Over the last 20 years, Florida’s
ports have experienced strong growth in containerized cargo (See Table 3.2).
Among South Atlantic and Gulf states, Florida ranked first in TEUs in 1990 and
2009; Florida ranked second only to Georgia in TEUs added during the period
1990-2009.
Annual growth percentages have been faster in Georgia and Texas due to
significant development of new terminal facilities, access to growing “hinterland”
markets, accommodation of large port-related manufacturing and warehouse/
distribution centers, and growing Asia-direct maritime trade. Georgia, as an
example, has made significant investments in its seaports. Savannah aggressively
expanded container facilities during the past decade and supported extensive
distribution center development. The Georgia Ports Authority attracted 19
distribution centers totaling 15 million square feet. The Georgia Port Authority
Tax Bonus is available to industries locating or expanding in the state and using
Georgia’s ports. The Port of Savannah is studying the deepening of the
Savannah River to 48 feet. 2
Mississippi and Alabama also experienced higher
growth rates, but only represent about three percent of the market share combined
in the South Atlantic and Gulf states.
2
Florida Trade and Logistics Study, December 2010, prepared for the Florida Chamber
Foundation by Cambridge Systematics, Inc. and Martin Associates.
Florida Department of Transportation 3-19
December 2010