Pensacola Port Plans Improvements for 2012

The Port of Pensacola will shift its business focus from aggregate storage to supporting the offshore industry, according to a plan announced by Pensacola's mayor, Ashton Hayward.

“The Port of Pensacola has suffered for decades because of competitive disadvantages,” Hayward said in a statement. Rather than sell the port as some have suggested, the mayor believes new investment in port facilities could return the port to profitability.

“We’re going to support the expansion of high-tech offshore service industry at the port. This sector has a lesser impact on the Port’s neighbors and has considerable private-sector growth potential,” Hayward told reporters. “The port may never be an enterprise which puts millions into the city treasury, but what it can be is an engine for economic growth and private-sector job creation.”

Hayward’s staff will identify new sources of funding for port improvements including state and federal grants as well as economic development funds from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

The Port of Pensacola, located in the Florida panhandle, currently handles breakbulk cargoes of frozen poultry, paper products, electric and wind-power generation equipment, and offshore exploration supplies and materials. Wind turbine shipments are expected to increase in 2012 due to the activities at nearby General Electric’s nacelle plant.

Photo shows GE’s 2.5-megawatt turbine at Pensacola facility. Courtesy of GE.