By the Caribbean Journal staff

Design work has begun on the major new cruise terminal at Florida’s Port Canaveral.

The Canaveral Port Authority has contracted with CH2M Engineering to provide the waterside design, engineering and support services for the Cruise Terminal 3.

The two-year work plan aims to build a state-of-the-art facility capable of serving cruise ships with up to 8,000 passengers.

It will replace one of the port’s oldest terminals, currently being used for single-day cruises.

“Port Canaveral continues to experience growth in all sectors, and particularly in our cruise business,” said Port Canaveral CEO Captain John Murray. “With 80 percent of our revenue from cruise operations, it’s important that we continuously improve our capabilities to meet the current and future needs some of the world’s largest, most sophisticated cruise ships.”

The Port is investing $150 million for the new terminal, which is targeted for completion in 2019.

“The popularity and avid use of the Port’s Jetty Park recreation facilities adjacent to the CT-3 terminal, especially the public boat ramps and fishing areas, are very important to the Port,” said Port CEO Murray. “The Port’s Board of Commissioners has directed that engineering staff make continued public access to these areas a priority, and to ensure before, during, and after construction that boat parking is minimally impacted.”