Following a close collaboration between MSC Cruises and Fincantieri, the first stone has been laid at what will be the new MSC Cruises terminal in Miami, Florida.
The terminal will be capable of harboring three of the latest-generation, low-environmental impact ships – such as MSC Cruises’ own future LNG-fueled vessels, which are set to become operational later in 2022 – and able to handle up to 36,000 passengers each day. Two of the modern docks will each measure 750m long, with a third to be built by Miami-Dade County.
Shore-to-ship power will be available at the docks, enabling vessels to further reduce their emissions when in port. The project will also involve the construction of seashore infrastructure such as water and power supply stations.
Construction of the approximately €350m (US$383.8m) terminal will be carried out by Fincantieri Infrastructure and upon its completion the state-of-the-art terminal will be the largest of its kind in the USA, the company says. Operation of the terminal is scheduled to begin in 2023.
The multi-level terminal was designed by international architecture firm Arquitectonica and will feature a wide range of facilities such as office spaces and other passenger-related services.
“It will be the largest and most technologically advanced terminal in the United States, a new benchmark in the sector, as well as one of the most significant investments made in Miami,” commented Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman, MSC Cruises.
“The beginning of works on this big facility is the crowning achievement performed by our group over the last years,” explained Giuseppe Bono, chief executive officer, Fincantieri. “We have been capable of further consolidating our relationship with MSC, based on innovation and constant improvement, and we have at the same time undertaken business initiatives that have enabled us to expand our competences.”