Port Tampa Bay has begun construction on its planned fourth cruise terminal, marking the start of a project expected to expand cruise capacity and generate an estimated $100 million in additional annual economic impact.
Crews are filling the former Metroport site, home to Tampa’s historic Banana Docks, reclaiming more than five acres of land where the terminal will be built. The work represents the first visible construction activity on the long-planned project, with the terminal expected to open in 2029.
The project follows months of planning as the port works to relieve growing cruise demand that has outgrown its three existing terminals. Earlier this year, Port Tampa Bay Chief Operating Officer Brian Giuliani told TBBW the port had already turned away requests for additional cruise ships because no terminal space was available.
Kimmins Contracting Corporation is leading site preparation, including filling the former marine slip and relocating stormwater infrastructure before vertical construction begins.
HDR, in partnership with BEA Architects, is designing the terminal and an accompanying parking garage after the port’s board approved negotiations for the architectural and engineering contract in July.
“This project is about much more than adding another cruise terminal. It’s an investment in the future of Port Tampa Bay and the economy of West Central Florida,” Port Tampa Bay President and CEO Paul Anderson said. “As cruise demand continues to grow, this terminal will strengthen our ability to serve existing cruise partners, attract new opportunities and support jobs, tourism and business throughout the region.”
Once completed, the fourth terminal is expected to increase Port Tampa Bay’s annual cruise traffic to more than 2 million passengers from roughly 1.6 million today while accommodating more than 200 additional ship calls each year.