A proposal for a new cruise port in Tampa, Florida could solve the years-long big cruise ship problem for the region.
A new site for a cruise port is being touted south of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.
Currently, the low clearance of the bridge doesn’t allow the very biggest cruise ships access to Tampa Port.
Seattle based SSA Marine hopes to build on a 300-acre site known as the Knott-Cowen tract which wouldn’t need to sail under the bridge.
SSA Marine says it is a gamechanger for the region.
“Our new port will complement existing cruise activities in the region. It would be able to service the newer, larger, low-emissions cruise vessels that would otherwise be unable to visit due to the height restrictions of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.”
The company is teaming up with local firm Slip Knott LLC.
They say it could generate more than 30,000 direct and indirect jobs and ‘lift labor earnings by $1.6 billion.’
It is still in the very early stages of planning with ‘many layers of review and due diligence,’ said Jacki Dezelski, president of the Manatee Chamber of Commerce.
It would likely be several years before becoming operational.
