New facility will be able to accommodate 5,000-guest ships and open in November 2019
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. broke ground on its new cruise terminal at PortMiami in Florida, US on 26 April.
The ceremony was held at PortMiami’s Terminal B and was attended by Frank Del Rio, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.; Andy Stuart, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line; Howard Sherman, Norwegian’s executive vice president of onboard revenue and destination services; Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez; Miami-Dade County commissioner Rebeca Sosa;, PortMiami director and CEO Juan Kuryla; and Florida State representative Cynthia Stafford. Executives from the architecture and construction firms Bermello Ajamil & Partners and the NV2A-Haskell joint venture were also there.
To be dedicated to the Norwegian Cruise Line brand, the new terminal is expected to be completed by November 2019. This will be just in time for the line’s newest Breakaway Plus class ship, Norwegian Encore, to make her debut in Miami with seasonal cruises to the Caribbean.
“This iconic terminal represents our continued partnership with Miami-Dade County, our commitment to excellence and Miami as a world capital,” said Del Rio. “As a global cruise company, we’re transforming and elevating guest experiences through design and innovation on our ships, and this new terminal at PortMiami is the next step in that journey. We are honoured to be here today alongside the team dedicated to making this dream a reality.”
Boasting a spiralled, multi-level façade inspired by the Fibonacci nautilus (a pelagic marine mollusc), the terminal has been designed by Miami-based firm Bermello Ajamil & Partners. It will be almost 166,500 square feet and accommodate ships carrying up to 5,000 passengers, offering indoor waiting areas and a lounge and service area for large groups and charters. New technology will support faster embarkation and disembarkation processes, as well as expedited security screening and luggage check-in. There will also be an outdoor waiting area, a parking garage and a valet parking area with direct access to the terminal and lounge.
“Having the opportunity to design a building that is sure to become an iconic Miami destination is very exciting, and we look forward to establishing the new standard for passenger comfort and experience,” said Luis Ajamil, president and CEO of Bermello Ajamil & Partners.
The new terminal will be constructed to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Silver standards to optimise energy performance, indoor air quality, water efficiency. The building will also be built using local materials and resources, helping to generate more jobs for the local community.
“As builders, we play an integral role and have great responsibility to the development and growth of the community,” said Agustin Arellano Sr., chairman of NV2A Group and board member of the NV2A-Haskell joint venture. “It is an honour and privilege to be part of a project that will have an everlasting impact on the city. We look forward to delivering this incredible new terminal for Norwegian Cruise Line, PortMiami and Miami-Dade County.”