SeaPort Manatee has achieved a historic milestone, setting new records for cargo throughput during the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025. The Florida port handled an impressive 11.85 million tons of cargo, surpassing its previous year’s record and reaffirming its role as a vital gateway for trade and logistics across Southwest and Central Florida.
SeaPort Manatee breaks annual cargo record
The growth was fueled by strong performance across multiple cargo categories. Liquid bulk cargo reached 6.4 million tons, marking an 8 percent increase compared to the previous year. Dry bulk cargo climbed nearly 10 percent to 3.44 million tons, driven by increased shipments of commodities such as phosphate rock, granite, and limestone. Breakbulk cargo also grew by 10.4 percent to 793,000 tons, supported by changes in how major importers transport tropical fruit, shifting from containerized to breakbulk handling.
However, containerized trade saw a decline, with volumes falling from 1.28 million tons to 919,000 tons, and TEU traffic decreasing from 168,897 to 133,456 units. Despite this drop, the port’s overall growth across other sectors more than offset the decline, reflecting a healthy diversification in its cargo portfolio.
The port’s resilience was notably tested at the start of the fiscal year when Hurricane Milton made landfall just south of the facility in October 2024. Even with significant weather impacts, SeaPort Manatee quickly resumed key operations — fuel distribution restarted within hours, and shipments of essential materials like lumber, plywood, and aluminum were back on track shortly thereafter. This rapid recovery helped sustain regional rebuilding efforts and underscored the port’s operational readiness.
Strategically located at the entrance to Tampa Bay, SeaPort Manatee continues to strengthen its position as a “ships-to-shelves” logistics hub for Florida. With 10 deep-draft berths and strong road and rail connections to the Tampa-Orlando corridor, the port efficiently handles a wide mix of cargo types — from liquid and dry bulk materials to project, heavy-lift, and general cargo.
The port’s operations now generate nearly $7.3 billion in annual economic impact, supporting more than 42,000 jobs across the region — and it continues to do so without relying on local property taxes. As the Manatee County Port Authority looks ahead, leaders have emphasized their commitment to expand infrastructure and capacity to meet rising demand for fuel, fresh produce, and construction materials.
SeaPort Manatee’s record-setting performance not only highlights its strength and adaptability but also cements its role as a critical engine of growth and resilience for Florida’s economy.
Did you subscribe to our daily Newsletter?
It’s Free Click here to Subscribe!
Source: Seaport Manatee
