Carrier grows Florida footprint
King ocean services has renewed its long-term lease with Port Everglades, extending operations through 2035. Approved by the Broward county board of county commissioners, the agreement includes both five-year option terms and aims to support continued growth following the carrier’s acquisition of Seacor Island Lines according to a press release by the port. King ocean, active at the port since 1994, will expand in 2026 to a 40.9-acre facility within the Southport turning notch extension, bringing its total leasehold to 57.8 acres.
The company handled 278,250 teu in fiscal 2024, accounting for more than a quarter of the port’s total throughput as the port reported. The renewed deal includes investments in refrigerated cargo capacity, a gatehouse, inspection facilities and operational upgrades. "It strengthens our position as Florida's leading seaport for trade with the Caribbean and reinforces the port's role as an economic engine for Broward County and beyond," port director Joseph Morris stated. (js)