New international hub foreseen to develop production and distribution facilities to invigorate global and local markets
In a bid to boost global commerce, Port Manatee is seeking to become an international trade hub to exploit its position near the Panama Canal.
Based in Tampa Bay on Florida's west coast, Port Manatee is located close to a strategic route for global sea trade; it now aims to assist companies from around the world to advance production, distribution and other business activities, including innovative global supply chain solutions.
Carlos Buqueras, Port Manatee's executive director, explained: "As the closest US deepwater seaport to the expanding Panama Canal, this new trade hub will provide locally and internationally headquartered companies alike with a landing platform for capitalising upon Port Manatee's unique position in the global marketplace."
As a multi-purpose deepwater seaport, Port Manatee already generates over US$2.3 billion/year, and is looking to surpass this with this latest initiative, as it attracts further interest from European, Latin American and Caribbean companies using the nearby shipping lanes.
Trade missions, both inbound and outbound, specialist areas of industry and port terminal innovation could all become staples of this advancing port.