Port Everglades' new 20-year plan calls for increased use of rail

Port Everglades in Broward County, Florida, is moving forward with a masterplan update that outlines more than $3 billion in infrastructure investments over the next 20 years to enhance the port's capacity, efficiency and sustainability.

The Broward County Commission approved the update last week. The port underwent an assessment of its four key businesses — passenger cruises, containerized cargo, noncontainerized cargo and energy, including liquid bulk — to identify the most pressing 34 infrastructure projects. 

The masterplan update introduced new policies and goals for supporting economic trade and promoting environmental stewardship. Among these goals were plans to promote the use of rail over other methods of transportation. Rail transportation at the Port of Everglades is not the most competitive option for shippers, since most cargo is transported only short distances to or from the port, according to the masterplan. Because of this, port officials suggested promoting long-distance connections as a potential opportunity for rail traffic growth.

The port offers near-dock rail service via an intermodal container transfer facility operated by Florida East Coast Railway (FECR). It connects to CSX and Norfolk Southern Railway. FECR also provides automotive handling at its facility and serves the port's global bulk liquid terminal.

Projects selected for the masterplan update include the addition of new ship to shore cranes, major terminal and berth reorganization and relocations, channel deepening and widening, improvements to existing facilities and security enhancements.