Western Rail Rehabilitation Project Complete

Port of Palm Beach Represented at Seatrade Cruise Global 

Summer Internship Program Application Deadline Approaching 

The paid eight-week program offers opportunities in accounting/ finance/ procurement, administration, communications, human resources, information technology (IT), operations/engineering, planning, and tenant relations. 

New this year, port tenant Ozinga, is looking for a student interested in learning how to operate the company’s cement terminal, ready- mixed concrete plant and work in the sales department.   

The program is a great opportunity for local students enrolled in university, college or a trade school in Fall 2024 to gain invaluable professional experience, regardless of their academic background or career aspirations.

By participating in Port of Palm Beach's Summer Internship Program, students will acquire transferable skills and industry insights that will serve them well in any professional setting.

The program is primarily funded through private monetary donations from numerous tenants including Ozinga, Tropical Shipping, South Florida Materials, E.N. Bisso & Son, Inc, and Florida Sugar and Molasses Exchange.  

For information on program dates, student criteria, application requirements, and the selection process, visit our website.

Board Proclaims Port of Palm Beach's Commitment to Promoting Biking

Port of Palm Beach Commissioners unanimously passed a proclamation during the March board meeting to recognize March as Florida Bicycle Month, highlighting the importance of promoting cycling as a sustainable and healthy mode of transportation.  

Florida Bicycle Month is a chance to showcase the many benefits of bicycling and encourage more people to give bicycling a try. 

Dr. Deandre Poole, who is a member of the Palm Beach TPA Governing Board, presented the proclamation to the TPA's Pedestrian and Bicycle Coordinator Valentina Facuse. Facuse thanked Port Commissioner Dr. Poole for sponsoring the proclamation and thanked the entire board for their support. The TPA has scheduled a bike ride on Friday, March 29th. 

Engaging with Congressional Members  

Execuitve Director Michael Meekins and Port Commissioner Varisa Lall Dass met with Charisma Adams, Director of Economic Development for Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick. They discussed vital projects needed to continue to boost the Port's revenue and support our tenant's operations. 

 Cargo Tonnage Report

                                                     Actual                   Prior Year Actual

Rail cars                               4,454                  5,253

TEUs                                   86,567                 89,183

Break-bulk                          60,458                  62,913

Asphalt                                39,187                  38,770                       

Cement                                35,365                 26,589

Recyclable Steel                  11,346                 19,071                    

Raw Sugar                           166,616               167,500

Molasses                             120,454                28,185

Duke of Top Sail Returns From Dry Dock

The Duke of Top Sail completed it's first sailing to the Bahamas after more than 60 days in dry dock for routine maintenance. The ship's agent, Gulfstream Line, and the stevedore, Heavy Lift Services are thankful the ship is back to its weekly schedule. The Duke of Top Sail arrives at the Port of Palm Beach every Monday. Stevedores load the ship with all sorts of goods destined for Marsh Harbour.  

Tropical Shipping Helps Barbados Rum Distillery Thrive 

 “A treasured partnership of more than 20 years.” 

That’s how Stewart Wilkinson, Customer Service and Logistics rep for The West Indies Rum Distillery on Barbados, describes his company’s relationship with Tropical Shipping. The distillery produces about 80% of the island’s rum, which is consumed locally and in more than 120 countries. Wilkinson attributes much of the company’s success to the partnership with Tropical.

“I think it comes down to the people,” says Wilkinson. “The customer service and the reliability that we have with Tropical, it’s something we can rely on and something we really value with the team here in Barbados.”

Tropical Shipping Expands it's Fleet

A fully assembled mobile harbor crane arrived on a Tropical Shipping vessel and is now in operation. 

The Konecranes Gottwald ESP.6 is the seventh Mobile Harbor Crane opearted by the company at the Port of Palm Beach.

"This is the first time Tropical Shipping received delivery in a fully erected condition, allowing the manufacture and our maintenace team to commission the crane in less than seven days, said Tim DiPietropolo, VP of Operations. 

The crane has the capability of lifting 125 metric tons, which is equivalent to the weight of about 17 adult African elephants.  

The $5M crane will allow Tropical Shipping to continue to improve cargo handling efficiency, while also helping to reduce diesel emissions with an Eco-efficient electric drive system.

The crane is the same model as the company's most recent delivery of another ESP.6 in 2022.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH TIME LAPSE VIDEO

Social Media Buzz

Margaritaville At Sea News and Promotions

Free ocean upgrades

FLASH SALE ALERT!

Rediscover Paradise over gorgeous ocean sunsets with Margaritaville at Sea's Free Ocean Views sale, where you can enjoy a complimentary stateroom upgrade for a limited time, plus 50% off all cruise rates!

BOOK NOW! Don't miss out on your chance at saving more than $1,500 on sailings throughout 2024!

Want to see your Ocean View in stunning 3D detail? Check out our Virtual Tours to see both double occupancy and triple occupancy configurations aboard the Paradise!

FREE OCEAN VIEW UPGRADE DETAILS

• Available on 2-Night Bahamas Sailings
• Offer applies to new reservations only; cancelled or modified reservations may be subject to fees according to our Cancellation Policy
• Free Ocean View Upgrade offer applies only to select sailings on the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise
• Picturesque Ocean View and lower categories available at Interior Stateroom pricing for all guests in the same stateroom
• Offer is subject to stateroom availability on specific departure dates and applicable dates may change based on fluctuations in inventory availability

Margaritaville is Sea is offering a limited number of FREE 2-Night Cruises to The Bahamas for Heroes plus their guest on select sailings this spring and summer.

FREE CABIN DETAILS:

• Offer is for a free fare on the first and second guest sailing together in an Inside or Ocean View Stateroom
• Offer does not include taxes, fees or port expenses, due at the time of reservation
• Free Cabins are limited on select dates
• Must be a verified member through GovX or ShopVCS platform
• Heroes Sail Free staterooms must be booked online after member verification
• 3rd and 4th guests may be added to the stateroom at full non-discounted retail fares
• Limited-Time FREE CABIN offer does not include Free Express Pass or Free Welcome Drinks 

Looking for longer voyages on Paradise or the all-new Islander?

Heroes Sail Free BOGO is back! Heroes get amazing BOGO fares, free stateroom upgrades, free Express Pass and free Welcome Drinks on Margaritaville at Sea cruises.

HEROES SAIL FREE BOGO DETAILS (UPDATED APRIL 16, 2024):

• All benefits apply on all Margaritaville at Sea ships, unless otherwise stated
• Heroes can book unlimited sailings each year under the Heroes Sail Free program
• Heroes Sail Free reservations receive 1 Free Express Pass per cabin
• Plus, 2 Complimentary Welcome Drinks per Cabin (up to $15 value each)

Program Details

• Must be a verified member through GovX or ShopVCS platform
• Heroes Sail Free staterooms must be booked online after member verification
• Heroes receive a free fare with a paying guest sailing in the same stateroom
• All guests, except for the Hero, must pay full non-discounted retail fares according to the date and itinerary selected
• Blackout dates may apply based on available stateroom inventory

Taxes, Fees, Port Expenses, Gratuities and Onboard Charges not included. 

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

THE BEST CRUISE DEAL OF 2024

Escape to the crystalline blue waters of the Bahamas—again and again—with the Margaritaville at Sea Ultimate Paradise Pass. The first, and only, cruise deal of its kind, you’ll enjoy year-round access to all the relaxation of Margaritaville at Sea as you set sail to the tropical island paradise of Grand Bahama Island. See important Terms and Conditions below.

For a limited time, lock in your Ultimate Paradise Pass for just $999 per pass. From there, get ready to experience the Margaritaville State of Mind all year long. Sip on poolside cocktails, try your luck at the Margaritaville Casino, or experience the magic of the Bahamas with exciting shore excursions. 

Did we mention each Ultimate Paradise Pass allows you to cruise with a friend for FREE (taxes, fees, and port expenses not included)?

Experience Limitless Paradise for $999

Say goodbye to days spent daydreaming about your next vacation. Here’s how the Margaritaville at Sea Ultimate Paradise Pass works: 

• Book NOW and enjoy 2 extra months of limitless sailings - Passes are valid starting November 3, 2023!
• Unlimited non-consecutive 2-night sailings thru December 31, 2024
• Valid for Double Occupancy—bring a friend for free
• Must book 24-72 hours before departure
• Best available Ocean View or Inside Stateroom—assigned at terminal check-in
• Does not include taxes, fees, port expenses, gratuities, fuel surcharges, or onboard expenses
• Ultimate Paradise Passes are limited and while supplies last
• Pass Blackout dates: Nov 23, 2023; Dec 31, 2023; May 25, 2024; Aug 30, 2024; and Dec 31, 2024.

GET THE PASS

BOOK YOUR NEXT CRUISE HERE

Job Opportunities

Tropical Shipping

Palm Beach Parking

SSI Petroleum

Fuel Dispatcher I (Riviera Beach)

Transport/ Tank Wagon Drivers (Belle Glade, Riviera Beach and Fort Lauderdale)

CDL Class A Driver with Hazmat and Tanker Endorsement

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

About SSI Petroleum 

CEMEX

Operator Terminal

IT Intern

View more career opportunities here

April Work Anniversaries For 

Port Employees 

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

Executive Director Michael Meekins- 4 years (April 2) 

Security Officer Adrian Bryce- Seven years (April 12)

Security Officer Anthony Harrell- 11 years (April 18)

Locomotive Engineer Jordan Almodovar- Six years (April 23)

Upcoming Commission Meetings

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

• April 18
• May 16
• June 20

View agendas and minutes 

Listen To Board Meetings Online

Audio recordings of the Board of Commissioners Meetings are now accessible on the "Agenda Center." We have removed the webpage "Board Meeting Audio Recordings" from our website.

How to listen to meeting recordings?

1. Go to Agenda center
2. Scroll down to "Available Archives." Locate the meeting you want to listen to and click on "Video" link adjacent to the "Agenda packet" link.

Please note, audio recordings of meetings prior to October 19, 2023, will only be available on the Port's YouTube channel. 

If you need assistance or have any questions, please email District Clerk Jackelin Machado.

CPR/ AED Training Open to All Who 

Work at the Port