Port Tampa Bay will expand bulk cargo capacity after securing a $24 million federal grant to extend a berth at Port Redwing, allowing the terminal to handle more vessels at once and move higher volumes tied to Florida’s growth.
The funding, awarded through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Port Infrastructure Development Program, supports a $40 million project to extend Berth 300 by about 800 feet. The port will provide a $16 million local match.
Once complete, the berth will reach about 1,300 feet and connect with adjacent berths to create roughly 2,800 continuous linear feet of dock space.
That layout will allow the terminal to accommodate multiple ships simultaneously, including up to four 650-foot handysize bulk carriers or three of the largest dry bulk vessels operating in the Gulf, reducing wait times and improving scheduling flexibility.
Port Redwing handles dry bulk cargo such as aggregates, cement, gypsum and grain, materials used in construction, infrastructure and agriculture. Those sectors continue to expand across Florida, and the port is increasing capacity to match that demand.
Read the latest Tampa news and updates
Existing tenants at the site have already committed to handling more than 5.7 million tons of cargo each year, a volume that presses against current limits and underscores the need for additional berth space.
Port President and CEO Paul Anderson said the expansion responds to rising cargo volumes and continued growth across Florida.
“This investment enhances Port Tampa Bay’s capacity to support Florida’s position among the world’s top economies, while improving supply chain efficiency and resilience across regional and national markets,” he said.
By increasing the amount of material that can arrive by ship, the expansion reduces reliance on long-haul trucking.
That shift can ease pressure on regional roads while improving turnaround times inside the terminal, where berth availability often determines how quickly cargo moves.
The grant comes through the federal Port Infrastructure Development Program, which funds projects that expand capacity and reduce bottlenecks at U.S. ports.
Once complete, the extended berth will enable the port to handle higher volumes and provide tenants with room to scale their operations as demand grows.
Read More Tampa Bay Business News
Explore the latest Tampa Bay business news, real estate deals, development projects, executive moves and company updates shaping the region.