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The construction of a new 41-acre containerized cargo terminal at Port Everglades is set to have a positive impact on sales of marine fuel in the area following approval from the Broward County Board of County Commissioners yesterday.

The South Florida seaport is going ahead with the third major construction project to begin there over the past 12 months, despite a recent softening of the cargo market.

Tran Construction Inc. of Miami won the bid to build the terminal in the Southport area at Port Everglades for $12.3 million. State grants are said to be funding up to half of the project.

"The new containerized cargo terminal is part of the Port's Master/Vision Plan. The plan also includes future near-dock rail for efficient transport of cargo, which makes this terminal especially attractive," said Port Director Phillip Allen.

Containerized cargo, at 6.58 million tons and 985,095 TEUs, has been on a steady upswing at Port Everglades, almost doubling since 2002. Port officials attribute this 92 percent growth to new terminal operators such as Port Everglades Terminal Ltd. (MSC) and Florida International Terminal, in the Port’s Southport area, who are bringing more international trade to the area.

Commenting on the growth, Allen said "Containerized cargo tonnage at Port Everglades has increased 92 percent in the past six years. And while we have noticed the market softening in recent months, we must be ready for the future, which we believe is quite promising."

Construction work is already under way on a new petroleum terminal and expansion of Cruise Terminal 18.

Port Everglades is one of the busiest cruise ports worldwide and is South Florida’s main seaport for receiving petroleum products including gasoline and jet fuel.