Maintenance Dredging Project to Begin in March 

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Jacksonville District, will begin maintenance dredging of the Palm Beach Harbor, Palm Beach County, Florida, on or around March 3, 2025.

The project was awarded to Weeks Marine Inc. of Covington, Louisiana, on November 22, 2024. The contract amount is $10,125,750.00.

The Dredge E.W. Ellefson, a cutter/suction dredge, is expected to remove approximately 191,000 cubic yards of shoaling material from the entrance channel and the settling basins over a two to three week period. Operations will be ongoing 24 hours per day, seven days a week until completion. Dredge material placement will be pumped and screened onto the adjacent beach at Palm Beach Island, immediately south of the inlet’s south jetty.

Construction activities on the beach, which include preparation, actual placement of dredge material, and demobilization, will begin on or around Feb 17, 2025, and take place over a 5–6-week period. Construction access/egress onto the beach is at Palmo Way. Periodic lane closures may occur along N. Ocean Blvd at Palmo Way as part of equipment deliveries, etc. Intermittent single lane closures are expected to start on Feb 17, 2025, between Mockingbird Trail and Kenlyn Road. A full lane closure for one to two days is expected on or around Feb 26, 2025.

The project will ensure the harbor maintains its authorized depth and remains safe and accessible for commercial shipping and navigable servitude.

Boaters and navigators are advised to maintain safe distances and low wake speeds in the vicinity of the dredge and attendant equipment, and to follow signage and crew instructions to maintain public safety during the dredging operation.

The project’s non-federal sponsor is the Port of Palm Beach. 

For more information on Jacksonville District projects and operations, please visit www.saj.usace.army.mil.  

Margaritaville at Sea Announces Biggest Reimaging Yet

Margaritaville at Sea is charting a course for more carefree fun with a variety of exciting new experiences and upgrades aboard its maiden vessel, Margaritaville at Sea Paradise, sailing from Port of Palm Beach. 

“This exciting new lineup of guest experiences on Paradise will match the fun and energy of the new destinations we’re charting this year,” said Anthony Stice, Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations for Margaritaville at Sea. “Whether it’s a two-night getaway or a long weekend escape, we’re ready to welcome guests with refreshed dining, elevated cocktail experiences, and unforgettable entertainment.”

Click here to read full story here

Construction on Port Infrastructure Development Program

The Port of Palm Beach is currently in the middle of our $30M Port Infrastructure Development Program also known as the PIDP.

We would like to thank all our tenants and users for your cooperation and patience during the transition of the main gate closure and the use of the access gates near the Southgate. Your understanding during this time has been greatly appreciated.

We are currently working with Tropical Shipping to relocate the company's truck interchange to prevent backups in the exit lane at Gate 5.

We also want to thank you for the valuable feedback you've provided. We understand that any changes in access can impact your operations, and we apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused during the transition.

The main gate remains partially closed due to construction.

Below is the updated hours of operation for Gate 5 (Southgate), Loop Road Access Gate and the Gate 2 Visitor Badging gate. 

Click here to watch a video on how to access security gates below

Should you have any questions or need further clarification, please contact Director of Operations Rick Placeres at 561-383-4191.

The City of Riviera Beach's engineering and utility departments are currently reviewing the design plan. Once approved by the city, the building department has 20 days to issue the permit. 

The contractor, Gonzalez and Sons, has turned over tracks 1-3 for Port use and have begun demolishing the souther two tracks. 

Below are aerial photos taken Feb. 5, 2025, that captures the progression of the PIDP Project.

The PIDP is set to enhance the Port's infrastructure and boost its operational efficiency. 

Key Enhancements:

• Revamped Main Port Gate: The redesign of the main port gate off MLK Blvd. will introduce additional lanes, streamlining truck entry and improving cargo transport efficiency within the Port.
• Advanced Truck Processing System: A new system will cut incoming container truck wait times by 50%, significantly reducing emissions and enhancing overall port operations.
• Expanded Freight Rail Capacity: The project will boost annual freight rail capacity by 116%, increasing it from 44,000 to nearly 100,000 TEUs. The addition of new rail tracks will also provide increased storage for rail cars within the port.

• Reduced Truck Traffic: By expanding intermodal rail capacity, the project will eliminate 29,000 truck trips annually from the congested Interstate 95 corridor and surface transportation network.
• Job Creation: At least 105 direct jobs will be created during the construction phase, providing a boost to the local economy

The design build project is a collaboration between the Port, Gonzalez & Sons Equipment Inc., HDR, PSA Management, Transystems and Moffatt and Nichol. 

The project is divided into four phases. 

Phase 1: rail tracks west of Slip 2, a parking lot west of the molasses tanks and the refrigerated container area just east of the Port's main entrance.

Phase 2: Open South Gate to traffic, construct south track area and section of South Port Road 

Phase 3: Open Main Gate to traffic, close old interchange, and construct North Port Road and Avenue E

Phase 4: Complete remaining items

 Cargo Tonnage Reports

                                                            Actual            Prior Year Actual

TEUS                                      69,953           67,361                          

Rail Cars                                3,723              3,522

Raw Sugar                             130,500          137,916 

Liquid Asphalt                       24,750             37,108

Molasses                                61,349            54,019

Recyclable Steel                    11,292            11,346

Break-bulk                              24,248           56,478

Slip 2 Culvert Repairs

Heavy Civil will begin repairing the outfall near berth 7 on Thursday, February 20th. The project could take up to eight weeks. Below is a map that shows the traffic pattern Tropical Shipping will need to use during the project.

Asphalt Rehabilitation

West Port Road will be closed Thursday, February 27th and Friday, February 28th for pavement repairs. Director of Tenant Relations Tacaria Anderson Jones has already contacted tenants who may be directly impacted by the closure. If you foresee this effecting your operations, please call Tacaria at 561-383-4136. 

Applications for the Summer Internship Program Open March 10th

The Port of Palm Beach is offering a paid Summer Internship Program for 2025 high school graduates (enrolled in college in 2025) and college/university of trade school students interested in gaining work experience. 

The eight- week internship program provides comprehensive training and hands-on experience in specific departments with additional opportunities to learn about various aspects of the Port and its operations beyond the intern’s primary duties.

The program runs from June 9 to August 1. 

Click here for more information

Click Here to Watch the 2024 Internship Program Overview Video 

New Janitorial Employee

Moses Mims has been around for a few months working as a temp. He was hired this month as the newest member of our facilities team. 

Social Media Buzz

Margaritaville at Sea's Special Offers

Margaritaville at Sea is currently sailing to Nassau, Bahamas from the Port of Palm Beach. The new itinerary includes the first-ever ship-to-resort experience through an exclusive partnership with Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau. The new Sail and Splash: Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau experience provides guests aboard Paradise with priority access to the stunning resort, including the Fins Up! Water Park, ensuring a seamless, start-to-finish Margaritaville island escape.

“Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau boasts exceptional amenities, including private access to a spectacular beach on turquoise waters, the thrilling Fins Up! Water Park, FlowRider®, lazy river, multiple pools, and a variety of dining and bar options. We’re excited to expand our offerings and give both new and loyal guests a reason to return to Paradise.”

Margaritaville at Sea’s new two-, three-, and four-night Sail and Splash getaways to Nassau allow guests to enjoy a curated resort experience at Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau, located just a 10-minute walk from the cruise port. With priority access to the resort’s many offerings, passengers aboard Paradise are first in line to enjoy the destination’s relaxed island lifestyle. Guests can add the new Sail and Splash: Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau experience during booking for only $99 per person. Other excursion options include tours of Nassau’s iconic highlights, rich culinary traditions and music heritage, trips to Paradise Island, boating, snorkeling, and more.

Job Opportunities

Palm Beach Parking

Tropical Shipping

Contact Human Resources to set up your interview at apernsteiner@tropical.com or lvelez@tropical.com

CEMEX

Technician Block Production

SSI Petroleum

Class A Truck Driver

For more information, please contact SSI's Human Resources Manager Vivian Prescott by phone at 863-508-1406 or email vprescott@ssipetro.com.

            

About SSI Petroleum 

Ozinga

CDL Ready Mix Driver

Terminal Operator

Terminal Laborer

Quality Control Technician

E.N. Bisso & Son Inc.

Service Technician

Upcoming Commission Meetings

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

• March 13 (Meeting moved to second Thursday of the month)
• April 17
• May 15

View agendas and minutes