Modernization project entailed investment of US$ 10 million and helped consolidate the Port’s leadership in South Florida.
Florida, United States, October 23, 2018. Florida International Terminal (FIT) inaugurated its new terminal project yesterday. The initiative included construction of a new gatehouse with eight lanes, doubling its capacity to receive and dispatch containers, as well as an office building and mechanic’s chop for its equipment fleet. These items entailed a total investment of US$ 5 million. An additional US$ 5 million was invested to renew equipment (tractors and container handling equipment).
FIT’s CEO, Klaus Stadthagen, commented, “These new facilities will enable us to project our business into the future and consolidate our terminal’s leadership position in South Florida with the best customer service, and also known for its safety standards and efficiency.”
“FIT is an excellent example of how a company can start in Port Everglades and become a regional leader that generates businesses and jobs for Broward County,” added the CEO and Port Director of Port Everglades, Steven Cernak.
Other Progress
The terminal is also implementing new technologies to guarantee maximum uptime and swift recovery in the event of cyber emergencies. It is also developing an appointment system that will “help reduce waiting time at the terminal, making the receiving and dispatching process more efficient,” according to the executive.
These efforts are in addition to a new electrical connections bank for refrigerated cargo and agricultural inspection platforms for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), soon to be finished.
About FIT
FIT is one of ten terminals where SAAM has an ownership interest (70%) in the Americas. The company’s operating concession lasts until 2025 (with a 5+5 extension option) and last year it reported container port throughput of more than 190,000 TEUs. It has four docks with a maximum draft of 12.8 meters and 45 acres.
About SAAM
SAAM is a Chilean company with operations in 13 countries in the Americas that provides port, towage and logistics services. It is one of the main port operators in the Americas, with terminals in the United States, Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, Costa Rica and Chile.
