Port Tampa Bay Weekly Web Update
December 12, 2025
Port Tampa Bay Hosts U.S. Central Command J4 Team
Port Tampa Bay welcomed the U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) J4 team, comprised of both civilian leaders and military service members, for a briefing and tour focused on education, collaboration, and regional partnership.
The visit was part of CENTCOM’s broader efforts to deepen understanding of the Tampa Bay community and strengthen relationships with key regional partners. Port Tampa Bay President & CEO Paul Anderson provided opening remarks and a strategic overview of the port’s operations, followed by a detailed presentation from port staff and an in-depth waterside tour.
As the region’s largest and most diversified port, Port Tampa Bay values opportunities to share our mission, capabilities, and role in supporting Florida’s economy, supply chain resiliency, and national readiness. We look forward to continued engagement with U.S. Central Command and our partners across Tampa Bay.
Port Participates in Statewide Infrastructure Dialogue
Port Tampa Bay was proud to join leaders at the Florida Chamber Foundation’s 2025 Transportation, Growth & Infrastructure Summit in Orlando.
Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer, Raul Alfonso, represented the port, highlighting the seaports’ critical role in expanding trade, improving supply chain resiliency, and supporting economic development across the state.
Port Tampa Bay remains focused on executing Vision 2030, enhancing capacity, and delivering the resilient logistics network our state depends on.
Homegrown Hillsborough Visits Port Tampa Bay
Vice President of Operations Matthew Thompson and Port Logistics Refrigerated Services CFO Russell Smeback hosted Homegrown Hillsborough for a waterside tour, showcasing the port’s impact on strengthening the regional food system.
The group learned about our supply chain resiliency initiatives and the essential food and juice commodities imported from Central and South America.
Port Tampa Bay values opportunities to collaborate with partners working to build a sustainable, community-driven food network.
Carnival Spirit to House in Tampa
Port Tampa Bay is celebrating continued momentum in its cruise portfolio with the announcement that Carnival Spirit will homeport in Tampa beginning January 30, 2028, offering extended Caribbean itineraries to Belize, Grand Cayman, Progresso, and Limón.
Expanded cruise offerings drive increased tourism, support local economic activity, and reinforce Tampa Bay’s position as a premier embarkation port.
Learn more in the Tampa Bay Business Journal.
Port Tampa Bay Issues Invitation to Bid on Spoil Island 2D Rehabilitation
Port Tampa Bay issued an Invitation to Bid for the rehabilitation of the storm-damaged levee on Spoil Island 2D, a critical component of the port’s dredge material management system.
This rebid invites qualified firms to support the port’s ongoing resilience and infrastructure stewardship efforts. Read more details in the Tampa Bay Times.
Liebherr STS Cranes Strengthen Vision 2030 Plan
Port Tampa Bay has finalized the acquisition of two high-capacity Liebherr ship-to-shore (STS) cranes, marking the first Liebherr STS equipment on Florida’s Gulf Coast and a key milestone in our Vision 2030 strategic plan.
The new cranes are equipped with advanced safety and operational technology, including anti-sway systems, remote diagnostics, and predictive maintenance tools. With a 60-meter outreach and 65-tonne twin-lift capacity, these cranes will enhance our ability to handle larger, wider-beam vessels and support the expansion of our container terminal to 100 acres.
This investment further strengthens Port Tampa Bay’s long-term goal to reach 1 million TEU annual capacity and boosts productivity, reliability, and service options for carriers and cargo owners. A few new clips of press coverage on the cranes this week include:
Upcoming Event: 2026 Anchor Ball
Don’t forget to purchase your tickets for the 2026 Anchor Ball that’s coming up Saturday, January 24, 2026.
The Anchor Ball is an annual fundraising event that supports our outreach with Tampa Port Ministries Seafarers Center and the Tampa Bay Maritime Scholarship Foundation.
The link to purchase tickets is here.
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
Follow Port Tampa Bay for updates throughout the week:
Stay tuned for next week’s update as we continue highlighting the progress, partnerships, and initiatives shaping Port Tampa Bay.
