GT USA, the US-business of privately-owned international port operator Gulftainer, signed a 35-year agreement to operate and further develop its container and multipurpose cargo terminal at Port Canaveral, Florida.

Port Canaveral said the terminal, set to commence operations in the last quarter of this year, positions its port as the most economical and convenient ocean gateway for containerized cargo in central Florida.

Under the terms of the agreement, Gulftainer will strengthen the terminal through a $100 million investment in infrastructure, equipment and locally-sourced human capital. The new container and cargo terminal is expected to contribute more than $630 million to the local economy, $280 million in revenue to Port Canaveral, and generate more than $350 million in tax contributions.

As part of its commitment to local employment, GT USA expects to hire 100 percent of its full-time employees from Brevard County and the Central Florida region. Port Canaveral authorities expect the terminal to create about 2,000 direct and indirect jobs when fully operational.

John E. Walsh, CEO of the Canaveral Port Authority, recently signed the agreement with Badr Jafar, Chairman of Gulftainer’s Executive Board. “This agreement marks a new era for Port Canaveral,” Walsh said. “With work on the widening and deepening of the Canaveral Harbor currently in progress, the new container and multi-purpose cargo terminal will further underscore our credentials as one of the most important economic engines for our region, while providing value to Central Florida shippers and distribution facilities by lowering overall costs and offering more efficient links to the supply chain.”

“The arrival of larger ships and increased cargo handling will add significant value to Florida’s economy. Ports operated by Gulftainer are ranked first in Europe, Middle East and Africa and third globally in productivity by the Journal of Commerce Port Productivity Report 2013. We are confident of its ability to create tangible returns for Port Canaveral in a short span of time,” Walsh added.

“The decision to grant this agreement to GT USA was made after careful consideration and due diligence. An international port operator, the company has strong competencies in port development and supply chain improvement that is an ideal fit to our port development objectives,” said Canaveral Port Authority Commission Chairman Tom Weinberg. “This is a true game-changer that will strengthen our cargo operations.”

“By bringing Gulftainer’s 37 years of experience, expertise and global relationships to Port Canaveral, we aim to create a new efficient gateway for goods entering and leaving Florida,” said Badr Jafar. “Our goal is to work with the Canaveral Port Authority to improve the local economy by investing in infrastructure, processes and people. The Canaveral Port Authority is one of the most respected in the country and has a reputation for professionalism that matches our own values. Together, we will work to deliver outstanding value to our customers and stakeholders.”