COVID-19 UPDATE

As we all try to navigate through these challenging times, we want our key stakeholders to know we appreciate their hard work and dedication. We continue to be operational thanks to those who play a critical role in moving cargo through the Port of Palm Beach.

We hope you are routinely visiting our COVID-19 advisory page on our website for updates on port operations, Marine Safety Information Bulletin's and other helpful resources.

The Port continues to operate with caution since maritime workers have been deemed “essential” under the governor’s stay-at-home order.

Right now, cargo operations are ongoing with goods moving in and out of the Port of Palm Beach. A majority of cargo being exported includes food, medical supplies and other items being shipped to the islands in the Caribbean. Port tenants are also exporting rebuilding materials to the islands in the Bahamas affected by Hurricane Dorian.

Several of our port tenants are now feeling the direct effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, with many operations reporting a decrease in cargo volumes.

All port tenants have implemented safety measures to keep their employees safe while at work and prevent the spread of the virus. We want to thank them for taking this seriously and taking the initiatives needed to protect maritime critical infrastructure workers.

We continue to monitor updates from the CDC including recommendations on safety practices for critical infrastructure workers and how to make and properly wear cloth face coverings.

As for cruise operations at the Port, our cruise terminal remains closed until further notice. We have one cruise ship, Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line’s Grand Celebration, docked at the port. Just this month, the CDC announced modifications and extension of no sail order for all cruise ships.

PORT OF PALM BEACH DISTRICT RECEIVES FIVE SAFETY AWARDS

The Port of Palm Beach continues to show how workplace safety is a priority. This year, the Port received five safety awards from the Palm Beach County Safety Council. The Port was presented with two excellence awards for worker and vehicle safety and two recognition awards for enhance safety and railroad operations.

"It is with pride Port management and the Palm Beach County Safety Council, acknowledge the commitment of our teams in the field who are working daily to ensure the safest possible work environment while making sure our seaport transportation system runs smoothly and cautiously," said Ken Hern, Senior Director of Seaport Operations and Security.

Port Security Sergeant Jeff Farr received a Heroism Award for an incident that happened back in July 2019. Sgt. Farr removed a man from a car who was stuck on the railroad tracks. He then alerted the Florida East Coast Railway dispatch, which gave the conductor of the approaching train a little over a mile to bring the train to a stop before hitting the vehicle.

"I am very grateful I was able to save this man from harm and was truly honored to be recognized for doing it. However, I would do it all over again if I was put in the same position," Farr said.

Tropical Shipping and South Florida Materials also received safety awards.

Port of Palm Beach team at Safety Awards

Port of Palm Beach employees and Commissioner Joseph Anderson

Ports Day 2020

The Port of Palm Beach joined the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) in commemorating the fifth annual “Western Hemisphere Ports Day” on April 5^th.

In years past, the event recognized the port industry’s role in efficient goods movement, job creation and propelling the economy in nations they serve across the Americas.

This year’s event focused on the role of ports in the COVID-19 pandemic response and recovery. It’s a recognition of the dedication, sacrifice and professionalism of the port industry workforce in their collective efforts to slow the spread of coronavirus, while ensuring a steady flow of vital goods and services.

“Our tenants and their employees are the reasons commerce continues to move through the Port of Palm Beach during the COVID-19 pandemic. Port of Palm Beach Board of Commissioners and I, thank them for their continuous hard work and dedication during these difficult times. It’s because of our tenants that people living in the Caribbean still have the ability to purchase food, medical supplies and other goods in the islands,” said Executive Director Manuel Almira.

The AAPA gave the Port of Palm Beach a shout out on its Seaports Advisory web page for a video showing how Tropical Shipping is keeping the supply chain moving amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Port security officer makes care packages

Port security Officer Kuumba Payne brought smiles to her elderly neighbors who were in need of critical supplies. She made care packages that were filled with toilet paper, gloves, a mask, hand sanitizer, Clorox liquid and other items. Thank you Kuumba for the touching gesture during these difficult times.

Sen. Rubio shows support for Port rail infrastructure

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio recently wrote a letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation in support of Port of Palm Beach’s application for a $13.2 million Infrastructure for Rebuilding America grant. The federal funding would allow the port to more than double its intermodal rail capacity from 44,000 TEUs per year to 95,000 TEUs per year. The project will replace old rail with new, relocate the truck interchange, and install new radiation portal monitors for increased security, all of which will allow for more efficient operations. The letter of support was sent shortly after Port of Palm Beach Executive Director Manuel Almira invited Sen. Rubio’s Regional Director Greg Langowski to the Port to discuss the rail infrastructure project.

President and CEO of Tropical Shipping Jeff Fiser being interviewed by WPBF News.

In the news

Tropical Shipping continuing operations amid COVID-19

Port of Palm Beach issues Declaration of Emergency

CBP suspends operations at Global Entry enrollment centers

Upcoming Commission Meetings

Keep in mind, the following meeting dates are subject to change due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

May 21
June 18
July 16

You're invited to attend our Board of Commissioners meetings, held at 4:00 pm in the Board Room, on the 6th Floor at the Port's Maritime Office Complex (MOC). The MOC is located at 1 East 11th Street in the City of Riviera Beach. Agendas and Minutes are posted on our website: bit.ly/2nBZbh6.

Connect with us on Social Media

Want to stay connected with the Port? Follow us on these social networks:

Facebook: @PortofPalmBeachDistrict
Twitter: @PortofPalmBeach & @ManuelAlmiraPPM
Instagram: portofpalmbeach
LinkedIn: Port of Palm Beach