New FIT terminal at Port Everglades

FIT, which relocated to make way for a major port capital improvement project, aims to improve efficiency with six lanes entering the terminal with scales and two outbound lanes; an appointment system with a VIP lane for refrigerated cargo; a new yard tractor fleet and upgraded container handling equipment; resilient information technology systems with quick disaster recovery abilities; and up to 350 new power plugs for refrigerated containers.

“We have installed a lot of new technology to better monitor gate traffic and what is happening throughout the terminal,” said FIT vice president & general manager Klaus Stadthagen. “By improving efficiency we are helping our customers, the shipping lines, develop their business. Our success is dependent upon our customers’ success.”

In the past fiscal year (1 October 2017 to 30 September 2018), FIT experienced 17% growth with approximately 226,000 teus. Perishables cargo accounts for approximately 15% of FIT’s total containers volumes.

In the next five years, Port Everglades is investing nearly US$1bn in infrastructure improvements to increase cargo volumes. Expansion projects include adding new cargo berths, installing new Super Post-Panamax container gantry cranes, increasing the lift capacity on existing cranes, and deepening and widening the port’s navigation channels.