‘State of the Port’ Address Highlights Record Growth, Future Expansion at Port Canaveral

Port Canaveral Posts Record Revenues, Projects Continued Growth Into 2026

WATCH: Canaveral Port Authority’s annual State of the Port address on Thursday underscored the Port’s record-setting 2025 performance and its expanding role as a regional economic powerhouse and global commerce gateway.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – The Canaveral Port Authority’s annual State of the Port address on Thursday underscored the Port’s record-setting 2025 performance and its expanding role as a regional economic powerhouse and global commerce gateway.

Speaking before an audience of nearly 250 business, government, and community leaders at Cruise Terminal 10, CEO John Murray detailed how Port Canaveral continues to thrive across all sectors — from cruise and cargo operations to recreation, real estate, and aerospace support.

“Our business growth and solid financial performance are building value that will pay dividends for years to come,” Murray said. “We’re a leader in our industry, but our continued success rests on strategic planning, continuous improvement, and sound investments in infrastructure.”

Port Canaveral posted $218 million in total revenues for Fiscal Year 2025, which ended September 30. Cruise operations once again drove the Port’s success, contributing $182 million to that total, followed by $25 million from cargo and $11 million from non-ship operations.

The Port hosted 1,038 ship calls and a record 8.6 million multi-day passenger movements — a 13 percent jump from the previous year. Murray celebrated a milestone moment in April when Port Canaveral welcomed its 100 millionth passenger movement since the launch of the Scandinavian Sea in 1982.

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Cargo Growth and Infrastructure Expansion

While cruise traffic dominated headlines, cargo activity remained robust. The Port moved 6.1 million tons of goods, including three million tons of petroleum products, two million tons of aggregates, and 850,000 tons of forest products.

A new mobile harbor crane — arriving in August — tripled the Port’s heavy-lift cargo handling capacity, complementing its two existing cranes and strengthening its role in global logistics.

Beyond its maritime operations, Port Canaveral continues to anchor Central Florida’s economy. According to Murray, 27 percent of cruise passengers stay overnight in local hotels, generating an estimated 2.3 million room nights annually in Brevard County.

The surge in tourism has fueled a 200-percent increase in hotel construction in Cape Canaveral over the past decade.

“We have an increasing responsibility to drive economic value in our region,” Murray said. “Our growth is boosting the local economy with new business investments, job creation, and a growing tax base that supports local municipalities.”

Investing in the Future

Looking ahead, the Port projects $237.4 million in total revenues for Fiscal Year 2026, with cruise operations expected to expand to 18 homeported ships and nine million passenger movements across 1,083 ship calls.

To meet growing demand, the Port is embarking on a $255 million capital improvement program for the coming fiscal year — part of a five-year, $912 million investment plan. Key initiatives include:

Adding 4,500 new parking spaces through terminal garages and surface lots.

Expanding Cruise Terminals 5 and 10 to accommodate some of the world’s largest upcoming vessels.

Completing renovations at North Cargo Berth 4 to open new development opportunities.

Enhancing public boating, camping, and beach facilities that already attract 400,000 visitors annually.

“The Port has been part of the local community for more than 70 years and has contributed significantly to the region’s growth,” Murray said. “Our success is a total team effort — from our employees and partners to the continued support of the Port community.”

Led by a five-member elected Board of Commissioners and CEO Capt. John Murray, Port Canaveral is recognized as Florida’s Premier Seaport and the world’s second-busiest cruise port. Its diverse business portfolio spans cruise, cargo, recreation, and real estate, while supporting aerospace and commercial fishing industries.

Port Canaveral handles 8.6 million cruise passenger movements and 6.1 million tons of cargo annually, reinforcing its position as a dynamic hub for tourism and trade.

For more information, visit www.PortCanaveral.com

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