17-Dec-2003

[17 December 2003 – Freeport, Bahamas] Freeport Container Port (FCP) is pleased to announce the completion of additional dredging in the entrance channel and turning basin to a depth of 16 metres. FCP is now the deepest port along the US Eastern Seaboard and in the Caribbean region.

FCP, the transshipment hub of the Americas, can now accommodate the world’s largest container ships in service as well as those, which are currently under construction.

FCP is located 65 miles from Florida and is strategically located to serve as a major world container transshipment hub between the eastern coast of the United States, the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean, South America, and trade lanes to European, Mediterranean, Far Eastern, and Australian destinations.

In February of this year, FCP embarked on an US$75 million expansion project – Phase IV – which includes the following facilities upon completion:

– 1,036 metres (3,400 feet) of berth with 15.5 metres depth alongside.
– 7 Super Post Panamax Quayside Gantry Cranes
– Two Gottwald Mobile Harbour Cranes
– 50 Kalmar Straddle Carriers
– Navis Operating System
– 49 Hectares of Stacking Area
– 16 metres / 52 feet in Channel & Turning Basin

Commenting on the project, FCP Chief Executive Chris Gray said, “We are fully committed to developing Freeport into a major regional hub for the Americas and Caribbean region. With the completion of the dredging works, FCP has the capacity to serve the largest container vessels afloat today as well as those currently under construction.”

The dredging contract was carried out by Dredging International of Belgium using the “MV Amazone” Cutter Suction Dredger. The dredging took six months to complete and involved the removal of approximately 900,000 cubic yards of material.