Port of Palm Beach | On The Water's Edge

There's A New Tug In Town

Tractor Tug Vigilant

E.N. Bisso & Son, a tug company that provides ship-assist services for docking and undocking of ocean-going-vessels, is now operating a new tractor tug bought specifically for the Port of Palm Beach vessels. 

The VIGLIANT arrived at the Port on Friday, February 10th.

At 2,460 HorsePower, with dimensions 72 Feet Long x 28 Feet Beam and 12 Feet Draft, the VIGILANT is a small, but powerful and agile tractor tug that will be used to guide vessels through the Lake Worth Inlet and for regular docking and undocking maneuvers within the port. 

Vigilant tractor tug

"The distinct advantage that this tractor tug provides versus a traditional twin-screw tug is that propulsion is delivered by two Rolls Royce “Z-Drive” units that rotate 360 degrees and are thus able to deliver instant and effective thrust to propel the tug in any direction," said E.N. Bisso & Son Executive Vice President Colin Macpherson.

Tractor tugs can push and pull, whether forwards, backwards or sideways, with exact precision and speed. This provides added flexibility to the manner in which ships can be moved within port, especially in tight confines. 

"The ability to move sideways should be particularly beneficial in our Port due to the width of the slips," Macpherson said. 

Maintenance Dredging Notification

Commissioners to discuss hiring of Executive Director


Last month, all five Port Commissioners interviewed a total of five candidates vying for the Port Executive Director position. 

The Board is expected to select their top two candidates during the Feb. 16, 2023 Board Meeting at 4 PM. 

Port Executive Director Manuel Almira announced his retirement last year. He's last day in June 30th.

Learn more about the candidates here


Current Projects


  • Merchants Drainage Project (Project to be completed before end of the month) 
  • CBP Security Upgrades and Hardening 
  • Port Infrastructure Development Program (Rail Improvements)
  • Master Plan
  • Ozinga Terminal 
  • Chiller Plant Replacement (Project to be completed by Mid-March)  
Merchants Market parking lot

Cargo Tonnage Report

Cargo performance graph
Cargo performance

                                                        FY 2023                FY 2022

Rail cars                              4,055                    3,859

TEUs                                   65,225                  66,090

Break-bulk                           38,293                  29.993

Asphalt                                 28,221                  20,489                       

Cement                                26,589                  0

Recyclable Steel                  9,492                    20,813                     

Raw Sugar                           102,800                117,000

The continued decreases in sugar tonnage is due to the barges having mechanical issues and inclement weather. 

Crusie Line Passengers
Celebrating Black History Month
Board Chair Dr. Jean Enright
Board Vice Chair Wayne Richards
Board Secretary/ Treasurer Dr. Deandre Poole

"All Things Port" Breakfast

Port Executive Director Manuel Almira, Chief CEO of Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County Maria Antuña and Port Commissioner Dr. Deandre Poole.

Port Executive Director Manuel Almira, Chief CEO of Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County Maria Antuña and Port Commissioner Dr. Deandre Poole.

The Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of PBC, held their economic breakfast on February 9, 2023 at Manatee Lagoon. 


The program inlcuded presentations from Port Executive Director Manuel Almira, Tropical Shipping's VP of Commercial and Trades Tim Martin and Margaritaville at Sea's VP of External Affairs Anita Mitchell. 


Also, in attendance was newly elected Port Commissioner Dr. Deandre Poole and City of Riviera Beach Councilman Tradrick McCoy. 

Port staff
Manuel Almira
Speakers

Port of Palm Beach and Tropical Shipping help Palm Beach County High School Students 

Claim Their Future

Tropical Shipping HR employees and Port Public Information Officer Yaremi Farinas

Tropical Shipping Human Resources team and Port Public Information Officer Yaremi Farinas.

The Business Development Board of Palm Beach County (BDB) and the School District of Palm Beach County hosted the 2023 Claim Your Future Showcase, an annual event that shows local high school students the diverse career paths available to them in Palm Beach County. Sponsored by Wells Fargo and located at the Palm Beach County Convention Center, the event included a presentation with various speakers and an exhibitor hall, which Port of Palm Beach and Tropical Shipping participated in.

Students at BDB Claim Your Future Showcase

Superintendent Mike Burke of the School District gave opening remarks, followed by Wayne Thomas of Wells Fargo who provided a “Financial Literacy” presentation. Eugene Spann of CareerSource Palm Beach County showcased “Soft Skills”, a critical skillset that’s been in high demand throughout the workforce.

Students put the skills learned to the test in an exhibitor hall where companies within sectors such as healthcare, agribusiness, aviation/aerospace/engineering, distribution/logistics, manufacturing, government, hospitality and so much more were represented. The Business Development Board hosts and recruits companies within these sectors to participate in the event to maintain a top-notch workforce for the future.

Students at exhibitor table

“Palm Beach County is home to more than 400 corporate headquarters and new companies are moving here daily. The Business Development Board of Palm Beach County hosts this event each year to help retain top talent and show local high school students the diverse options right here in their backyard,” said Kelly Smallridge, President and CEO of the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County.

Margaritaville at Sea Cruise Deals

Margaritaville at Sea Cruise Deal

Set sail on the Ultimate Friendcation, AKA: the luxury friends’ getaway of your dreams.

Cruise to the Bahamas with your BFFs on our 3-day cruise for fares as low as $49 per person* when you book a four-person interior stateroom. Groups of three can go cruising from just $65pp,* because for a limited time, your 2nd guest is 50% off and your 3rd and 4th guest are FREE.

Head to the seas with your whole crew and soak up endless entertainment options, tropical cocktails, unforgettable beaches and much more! Dare we say this will be your best friend getaway yet?

Or, take a romantic and relaxing couple’s getaway for as low as $194 per couple.*

Heroes Sail Free Program

Program Update January 4, 2023:

  • New! Heroes Sail Free now available for Ocean View or Interior Staterooms
  • Must be a verified member through the GovX ID or ShopVCS platform
  • Hero Sail Free staterooms must be booked online after member verification
  • Must be sailing with at least one paying guest in the same stateroom – additional guests are offered the best retail rate available for the date selected
  • Blackout dates may apply based on available stateroom inventory

Taxes, Fees, Port Expenses and Gratuities not included. One sailing per member, per year.

Please visit the GovX site for more details on GovX membership eligibility.

See what our ship has to offer!

Cruise and stay photo
Cruise and Stay deal

Job Opportunities 


Tropical Shipping hiring flyer

Port of Palm Beach tenant Tropical Shipping has several job openings in the Riviera Beach area.

This month, the company posted the following positions on its website:

  • Cargo Handling Specialist 

  • Port Checker 
  • Port Equipment Checker
  • Port Utility Person
  • Stockroom Coordinator 
  • Human Resources Generalist 

View job openings and apply here 

Tropical Shipping straddle carrier

SSI Petroleum 

SSI fueling

Dispatcher- Bulk Fuel

CDL Drive

Fuel Polisher/ Tank Wagon Driver

Please contact Human Resources Manager Vivian Prescott by phone at 863-508-1406 or email vprescott@ssipetro.com.


About SSI Petroleum 

Heavy Lift Services/ Gulfstream Line 



Warehouse workers

Please contact Vice President Tina Dias at tina@gulfstreamline.com


Learn about Heavy Lift Services

Forklift Operator

Palm Beach Parking


Valet Drivers

Please contact Claudia at 772-696-4388
Margaritaville at Sea Paradise

February Port Employees Work Anniversaries 


Congratulations to the following employees who are celebrating a work anniversary:


Security Officer Ferderico Valverde- 7 years

Michael Williams Chief Financial Officer

Meet the Port's Chief Financial Officer Michael Williams. 

Williams joined the Port of Palm Beach in November 2021 as the Director of Finance. In his short time at the Port, Williams has spearheaded numerous projects.

He implemented an employee time management and reporting system that allows for greater efficiency of payroll processing and gives employees the ability to clock in and out with their cell phones when they are within the geofence, a virtual perimeter of the Port.   

Williams also developed a comprehensive budgeting system to integrate the operation & maintenance, renewal and replacement and capital budgets. 

With the help of his team, he’s created an effective way to showcase the Port’s operational performance.   

He continues to improve the procurement practices to align with governmental standards and best practices. 

Williams has played an instrumental role in guiding the Port Infrastructure Development Project procurement process to ensure grant compliance. In addition, he works closely with the Director of Business Development on port pricing. 

Please join us in congratulating Williams on his outstanding accomplishments and contributions to the Finance department and the Port. 

Gulfstream Line/ Heavy Lift Services donates more than 50 teddy bears and blankets for child trafficking survivors


Vice President of Heavy Lift Services
Blood Drive Feb. 17th

Brightline begins testing trains this week 

Brightline Safety Photo

Brightline will begin testing trains at 110 miles-per-hour in northern Palm Beach County as soon as Friday, February 17 and continuing through the month. This will follow continued high-speed testing in Martin and Palm Beach Counties on Tuesday, February 14 and Wednesday, February 15. 

The high-speed testing in Palm Beach County will take place from Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, North Palm Beach, Lake Park, Riviera Beach to West Palm Beach and will occur daily between 7AM and 4PM. Flaggers will be present at railroad crossings when there is ACTIVE testing taking place in the area and there will be an increased law enforcement presence around railroad crossings. 

The testing is in preparation for opening to Orlando in 2023 and will continue in phases along the 129-mile rail corridor between West Palm Beach and Cocoa. Residents should be alert and follow the law around active railroad tracks and railroad crossings. Testing is expected to bring additional wait times at railroad crossings.

Brightline is making crucial safety improvements at all 156 railroad crossings along the corridor. All safety improvements have been installed at crossings in the testing areas. Those improvements vary per crossing, but may include new crossing gates, signal systems, pedestrian gates, pavement markings and roadway profiles. Where trains will operate at speeds over 79 mph, crossings have quad gates or medians to prevent motorists from driving around lowered crossing gates.

    Sign the Online Safety Pledge here

Brightline Safety Flyer
Brightline Safety Flyer

Upcoming Commission Meetings


You're invited to attend our Board of Commissioners meetings.  

  • February 16 at 4 PM
  • March 16 at 4 PM
  • April 20 at 4 PM
The public is welcome to attend the in-person board meetings held in our Board Room located on the 6th Floor of the Maritime Office Complex at One East 11th St. Suite 600, Riviera Beach, FL.


View agendas and minutes 

Listen to Board Meetings Online


Did you miss the last Regular Port of Palm Beach District Board of Commissioners Meeting? 

The audio recording of the last meeting is now available on the Port's website.
 
Listen to the January 19, 2023 meeting

We will be publishing the audio recording of future meetings the day after the scheduled meeting.

Follow us on Social Media

Stay Connected | Follow Us


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
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Copyright 2017 Port of Palm Beach. All Rights Reserved.
1 East 11th Street, Suite 600 | Riviera Beach, FL 33404

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