Canaveral Port Authority has approved the construction of a multipurpose berth, located on the port's north side.

Port Canaveral, located in Florida, USA, says the North Cargo Berth 8 (NCB8) will feature a heavy lift dock to accommodate a growing cargo portfolio that includes commercial spacecraft components.

"This new multipurpose berth will enhance our ability to manage cargo opportunities being driven by the rapid economic growth in Central Florida," said port ceo Captain John Murray.

The 900 ft (274.3 m) seawall and planned 100 ft (30.5 m) pier extension will be capable of handling a ship measuring 850 ft (259 m) in length.

The berth will be constructed with a 2,000 lbs per sq ft (9.8 tonnes per sq m) capacity, a necessary requirement for handling aerospace cargo and other heavy modules.

Orion Marine Group of Tampa, Florida has been awarded a USD17.9 million contract which includes the construction of the bulkhead and seawall, as well as dredging operations.

Construction is expected to begin in March 2018 with a scheduled completion of the entire project targeted for mid-2019.

Photo credit: Canaveral Port Authority.