Port of Palm Beach Receives First Shipment of Granite Aggregrate

The Port of Palm Beach began the new year with an important milestone, welcoming its first shipment of granite aggregate on January 1. 

The cargo, which arrived from Canada, was unloaded through a coordinated effort between Port tenants Gulfstream Line, Heavy Lift Services, SAB Solutions, in partnership with Thalle Construction, and Port user Host Agency. In less than 40 hours, more than 13,000 tons of granite were efficiently unloaded from the vessel. Using a clamshell bucket, the granite was lifted from the ship and dropped into a hopper, where it was transferred into dump trucks. 

The trucks then transported the material to a designated storage area within the Port. The granite aggregate will be used to support an Everglades ecosystem restoration project, underscoring the Port of Palm Beach’s role in facilitating critical cargo that benefits both infrastructure development and environmental preservation.

Click photo below to watch a short video of the operations. 

Congressman Who Serves on U.S. House Committee on Transportation & Infrastrcture Visits Port

Port Infrastructure Development Program Complete

The U.S. Department of Transportation (MARAD) performed it’s final inspection on Thursday December 11^th.  The representatives seemed impressed with the project and the quality of the work.

The PIDP enhanced the Port's infrastructure and boost the Port's operational efficiency. 

Key Enhancements:

• Revamped Main Port Gate: The redesign of the main port gate off MLK Blvd. will introduce additional lanes, streamlining truck entry and improving cargo transport efficiency within the Port.
• Advanced Truck Processing System: A new system will cut incoming container truck wait times by 50%, significantly reducing emissions and enhancing overall port operations.
• Expanded Freight Rail Capacity: The project will boost annual freight rail capacity by 116%, increasing it from 44,000 to nearly 100,000 TEUs. The addition of new rail tracks will provide increased rail car storage within the port.

A Monday Tradition: Cargo Ship Reaches 20-Year Milestone at Port of Palm Beach

The Port of Palm Beach is celebrating more than 20 years of continuous weekly calls by the Duke of Top Sail, a vessel that has become a fixture at the Port every Monday for the past two decades. 

With more than 1,400 vessel calls over the years, this partnership with the port, United Abaco Shipping Company and port tenants Heavy Lift Services and Gulfstream Line, has played a vital role in keeping goods flowing between South Florida and Marsh Harbour in the Bahamas. The commodities include food, building materials, household furnishings, vehicles, golf carts, and boats.

To celebrate the long-standing relationship, the Port hosted a cookout with the vessel’s captain Michael Bethel and his crew, along with the hardworking teams from Heavy Lift Services and Gulfstream Line.

During the event, Port Commission Chair Blair Ciklin presented awards of appreciation to the captain as well as to Glen, Tina and Joe Dias of the Port’s tenant companies, recognizing their dedication and continued commitment to the Port community.

Behind every smooth arrival and departure is a coordinated effort. 

"We’ve worked with the Duke of Topsail since 2005,” said President Glen Dias. “Our crews take pride in handling each shipment with care. It’s a partnership built on trust, consistency, and shared commitment.”

Gulfstream Line, the vessel’s steamship agent, plays a key role in ensuring the weekly calls run seamlessly from start to finish. 

Chair Ciklin highlighted the importance of this enduring partnership. “The Duke of Topsail represents what this Port is all about, long-term partnerships that strengthen trade and connect communities across the Caribbean.”

Cruise Terminal Canopy Project

The purpose of this project is to provide cruise passengers with refuge from the Florida weather as they travel between their car and the terminal.

1. Seventy-five percent of the canopy structure has been installed.  
2. The pavement markings have been completed.  
3. The new terminal baggage door has been installed and will be painted this week.  
4. The last section of the sidewalk and canopy should be installed in the next 30 days.                                                               

Elevator Modernization

The purpose of this project is to update and refresh the elevators that serve the cruise terminal and Administration Offices.

• Two elevator cars will be put back into operation in this month (one in the Cruise Terminal and the other in the MOC Lobby).  
• The next elevator in the MOC Lobby will go out of service for about 12 weeks starting in mid January.

Repairs Near the Sugar Gantry

The asphalt is failing due to subgrade compaction issues. A recent development has delayed the repaving, the trench drain collapsed. The trench drain needs to be replaced in advance of the paving.  The rebid will go to the board this week and be rebid (to include the trench drain replacement) shortly thereafter.  

Warehouse 13 Modernizaton Project Kicked Off This Week

The roof and siding will be removed and replaced in phases, allowing the building to remain fully operational during construction.  The interior lighting will be upgraded, and structural repairs will be made to the columns.

Port of Palm Beach to Begin Improvements at Southgate Building

The office hallways and stairwells were repainted in November. We thank all of our tenants at Southgate for your cooperation and patience during this project. 

Dredge Staging in Intracoastal 

The Port of Palm Beach is notifying tenants and the surrounding communities that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has awarded a large-scale beach nourishment dredging project along Florida’s east coast, spanning from Delray Beach through Palm Beach and into Martin County. This project is not associated with Port operations and is separate from the Port’s annual maintenance dredging program.

As part of the project, a waterside dredging staging area will be established within the Intracoastal Waterway between the northern end of Palm Beach and the Port of Palm Beach.

At this time, no direct operational impacts to Port tenants are anticipated. However, tenants and mariners may notice increased marine traffic related to dredging equipment and support vessels in the surrounding waterways. The project is expected to continue through the end of April 2026.

Questions regarding the beach nourishment project should be directed to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

As part of our ongoing initiative to keep our Port clean and beautiful, we’re excited to announce the addition of three new hopper trash bins! 

These bins will be conveniently located at Berths 11, 14, and 17 and will be emptied as needed.

Please note, these bins are designated for general litter and debris only. 

Do not dispose of operational waste, hazardous materials, or international trash in these containers. 

We ask that you continue to follow your standard trash removal procedures for those items. 

Please, if possible, post the flyer in your office and share it with your contractors who do not frequent the port. 

Thank you for your cooperation and for helping us maintain a clean and safe Port environment!

 Cargo Tonnage Reports

(October 2025 to November 2025)

                                                           Year-to-Date    Prior Year-to-Date

TEUS                                      25,028         23,117                         

Rail Cars                                1,102            1,268

Raw Sugar                             33,700          48,400

Cement                                  31,814          0

Liquid Asphalt                       13,328         16,374

Molasses                                0                  20,669

Recyclable Steel                    0                  0

Break-bulk                              24,506         3,278

South Florida Materials Terminal Manager Eddie Palenzuela Retires After More Than Two Decades at the Port

National Law Enforcement Officer Appreciation Day

We extend our sincere gratitude to the dedicated men and women who work every day to keep the Port of Palm Beach safe and secure.

The Port is grateful for its strong partnerships with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Riviera Beach Police Department, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, and the United States Coast Guard.

We also recognize Riviera Beach Police Sergeant Mike D’Andria, who is specifically assigned to patrol the Port and plays an important role in maintaining a safe and secure environment.

Their professionalism, vigilance, and commitment to public safety support not only Port operations, but the surrounding community as well. We thank them for their continued service and partnership.

Port of Palm Beach Spreads Holiday Cheer Through Annual Toy Drive

The Port of Palm Beach proudly continued its annual holiday tradition of giving back by partnering with its tenants to support children in our local community. Thanks to the generosity of our port family, the Port collected more than $7,000 worth of gifts for 302 children in the Azure Estates neighborhood in Riviera Beach, located less than two miles from the Port.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to help bring joy to local families and make a positive difference during the holiday season” said Vice Chair Dr. Deandre Poole. “This is what it’s all about!”

 The drive was a success thanks to the support of our generous donors: 

SAB Solutions & Thalle Construction, Ozinga, Heavy Lift Services, Gulfstream Line, SSI Petroleum, Tropical Shipping, South Florida Materials, Margaritaville at Sea, Palmsol. 

Each year, our toy drive reflects the Port’s commitment to being more than an economic engine, we are also a community partner. 

“Because I didn’t have much growing up, I know how important it is to give back and help create special holiday moments for children,” said Port of Palm Beach Executive Director Michael Meekins. “I’m grateful to our Port family for making this possible.”

Port of Palm Beach Seafarers' Center Spreads Holiday Cheer to Visiting Crews

Over the past few weeks, the Port of Palm Beach Seafarers Center has been busy delivering holiday gifts to crew members aboard vessels calling on our port. These efforts help bring comfort and appreciation to seafarers who are far from home during the holiday season.

Many of the gift bags were made possible through donations from our annual Seafarers Care Package Drive, along with generous support from Bethesda by the Sea. The thoughtfully prepared packages were distributed to international vessel crews as well as to two U.S. Coast Guard vessels that were in port during Christmas week while fueling for their patrols off Mar-a-Lago.

Social Media Buzz

Margaritaville at Sea's Special Offers

The Port of Palm Beach is pleased to announce the promotion of Anthony Harrell to Security Sergeant.

Anthony has proudly served the Port of Palm Beach for the past 12 years, bringing with him an extensive background in security and law enforcement. Throughout his tenure, he has demonstrated professionalism, dedication, and a strong commitment to maintaining the safety and security of Port operations.

In his new role, Anthony will oversee third-shift security operations, support fellow security officers, and ensure that all Port policies and procedures are consistently upheld. His experience and leadership will be instrumental in continuing to protect the Port, its tenants, and the surrounding community.

Please join us in congratulating Anthony on this well-deserved promotion. We look forward to his continued contributions and leadership in this new role.

Welcome to the Team

Job Opportunities

Tropical Shipping

Cargo Inspector

Truck Driver

Documentation Coordinator

Service Desk Engineer 

Contact Human Resources to set up your interview at apernsteiner@tropical.com or view openings here.

Heavy Lift Services/ Gulfstream Line

Checker

Forklift Operator

Email Vice President Tina Dias or President Glen Dias

CEMEX

Electrician

SSI Petroleum

CDL Class a Driver- Riviera Beach and Belle Glade

Dispatcher- Bulk Fuel

Field Service Mechanic

Fuel Polisher/ Tank Wagon Driver

For more information, please contact SSI's Human Resources Manager Vivian Prescott by phone at 863-508-1406 or email vprescott@ssipetro.com.

            

About SSI Petroleum 

Ozinga

Diesel Mechanic

CDL Bulk Driver

Upcoming Commission Meetings

View agendas and minutes 

January Workiversaries for Port Employees

Congratulations to the following employees who are celebrating a workiversary:

Director of Contract Compliance and Tenant Relations Tacaria Anderson Jones- January 4 (27 years)

Maintenance Worker Francisco Miranda- January 22  (2 years)

Our administrative offices will be closed on Monday, January 19 and in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
 
We will resume regular business hours Tuesday, January 20 at 8:30 AM.
 
For immediate assistance call the Main Security Gate at 561-383-4144.

Port of Palm Beach Inspires Future Leaders at Junior Achievement Inspire Event

Representing the Port were Human Resources Manager Raquel Rivera and Special Projects Manager Aaron Hoffman, who showcased some of the unique and exciting jobs that keep our port operations running smoothly. Students had the chance to try out remote-control cranes and forklifts, giving them a hands-on look at the equipment used daily at the Port of Palm Beach. We also had a trivia game where students got to guess how many shipping containers fit in the Tropic Hope, which is one of the vessels that frequents the port. 

Educating Our Community