Video: PortMiami welcomes largest container ship in Florida history

By Michael McGrady, Maritime Direct Americas & Pacific Correspondent

MIAMI — PortMiami, operated by the Miami-Dade County government, announced that it set a new record Tuesday as the largest container ship ever to call at a Florida port arrived. The major Florida seaport welcomed 15,000 TEU CMA CGM Argentina.

Today #PortMiami set a new record for the largest container ship to ever call at a Florida port with the arrival of the @cmacgm Argentina. The more than 15,000 TEU vessel is 23 containers wide and about three football fields.#PortMiamiStrong #PortMiamiProud pic.twitter.com/R4atu48bC1

The Neopanamax container bulk carrier arrived in Miami after transiting between the Port of New York and New Jersey, the Port of Virginia, and the Port of Savannah.

According to reporting from The Maritime Executive, the arrival of the Argentina marks a new era for seaport cargo terminals in South Florida. This milestone also reflects the improvements made at the South Florida Container Terminal stationed at PortMiami facilities.

“It really is amazing,” said Mark Baker, president of the South Florida Container Terminal, via reporting from Local 10 News. “I never thought I’d see a ship like this come in here.”

For several decades, Baker, who has worked at PortMiami, said that four or five years before this event would only permit vessels the size of the Argentina only to call on ports like Savannah.

However, the improvements the container terminal has made over the past several years are paying off.

Local politicians are taking note.

“Miami-Dade County is a major global hub for trade and commerce, and cargo continues to create jobs and expand opportunities across our community,” notes Daniella Levine Cava, the mayor of Miami-Dade County, in a press statement. “As we look to rebuild an even stronger, more resilient economy, the seaport is critical to our long-term sustainable growth and prosperity.”

PortMiami is also a popular cruise terminal.