Weekly Update from Port Tampa Bay

Port Tampa Bay released the annual ‘State of the Port’ to recap milestones the organization experienced in Fiscal Year 2021 (Oct 1, 2024 – Sept 30, 2025), including record containerized cargo numbers but just prior to recording new cruise numbers. Port Tampa Bay President and CEO Paul Anderson, provides information on the port’s diverse lines of business and gives an update on future project and growth opportunities.

Port Tampa Bay Weekly Web Update

December 5, 2025

Port Tampa Bay Advances Vision 2030 with Two New Ship-to-Shore Cranes

Port Tampa Bay is proud to announce a major step forward in our Vision 2030 strategy with the addition of two new state-of-the-art Liebherr ship-to-shore (STS) cranes. These cranes significantly expand our operational capabilities and serve as critical infrastructure as we prepare for the completion of our federal navigation channel deepening project.

As the channel deepens from 43 to 47 feet, these cranes ensure the port is ready to safely and efficiently serve the larger vessels that deeper water access will attract. Their advanced design will streamline operations, increase throughput, and enhance berth productivity, supporting the port’s long-term growth.

This investment supports the economic vitality of Tampa Bay and the entire I-4 corridor, reinforcing Port Tampa Bay’s role as a modern, competitive gateway for domestic and international trade.

The announcement received extensive media coverage, including:

Port Tampa Bay Releases 2025 Year in Review

This week, Port Tampa Bay published its 2025 Year in Review, reflecting on the port’s achievements, investments, partnerships, and community impact over the past year.

The report highlights progress across our strategic priorities, including infrastructure development, environmental stewardship, economic growth, security enhancements, and workforce partnerships.

Read the full report here.

World Wildlife Conservation Day

Port Tampa Bay joined global partners this week in recognizing World Wildlife Conservation Day, raising awareness about efforts to protect wildlife from threats such as habitat loss, poaching, and trafficking.

As one of the first ports in the nation with a dedicated environmental management program, Port Tampa Bay’s commitment to a healthy bay runs deep. Our decades-long stewardship includes transforming dredge materials into thriving bird-nesting islands and hosting annual conservation activities that support Tampa Bay’s diverse wildlife population.

We remain committed to advancing responsible, sustainable practices that protect the ecosystems surrounding our port.

Carnival Spirit to Homeport in Tampa Starting 2028

Port Tampa Bay is pleased to share that Carnival Cruise Line will homeport the Carnival Spirit in Tampa beginning January 30, 2028. This exciting addition expands the variety of cruise itineraries available to our region.

Passengers will enjoy new, longer Caribbean itineraries including Belize, Isla Tropicale, Grand Cayman, Progresso, Limón, and more. The announcement reinforces Tampa’s growing appeal as a leading cruise gateway and reflects the strong partnerships driving tourism and economic activity throughout the region.

Read more in the Tampa Bay Business Journal.

Port Tampa Bay Hosts Hillsborough Community College Brandon Campus Administrators

Port Tampa Bay recently welcomed administrators from Hillsborough Community College’s Brandon campus — Kristin Heathcock, Ed.D., Sara Cook, Francisco Rodrigues, and Brian Mann — for an educational visit focused on the port’s operations and regional economic impact.

Senior Director of Security Jorge Torres, CPP, led a waterside tour highlighting the diversity of cargoes moving through the port, key partnerships across the maritime and law-enforcement community, and Port Tampa Bay’s role as a major economic driver for our region.

We value opportunities to collaborate with higher education institutions and appreciate HCC’s continued engagement.

December Port Tampa Bay Board Meeting

The next regular business meeting of the Tampa Port Authority, d/b/a Port Tampa Bay, Board of Commissioners will take place on:

Tuesday, December 16, 2025
9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Port Tampa Bay Board Room
1101 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602

Public comment is welcome for anyone who signs in prior to the meeting. Speakers will be called in sign-up order and allotted up to three (3) minutes.

Stay Connected

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Stay tuned for next week’s update as we continue highlighting the progress, partnerships, and initiatives shaping Port Tampa Bay.