Port Authority Chairman talks about plans for Port Canaveral.

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News

After a long career in the U.S. Coast Guard, a former Military Aide to President Clinton, and President Bush, Chairman of the Port Canaveral Port Authority Wayne Justice, has been working hard for Port Canaveral over the last six years. 

With the new $155 Million Carnival Cruise Line terminal now open, the Port Authority Chairman is excited about many different things going on in the port. 

“I am excited about the new Carnival ship, the Mardi Gras, and that new world-class terminal we just built,” Justice said during a recent appearance on “321 Liftoff,” a local podcast that centers on the Space Coast and its tourism.

With the Cove area of Port Canaveral, known as the “Entertainment District," to Jetty Park, people come from all over the world travel out of Port Canaveral. 

“There are a lot of recreational activities,” said Justice. “Port Canaveral has as many recreational activities at this port as all 14 Florida ports combined.”

On top of all the recreational activities that the port offers, there are plans in place for the port to warm up for more commercial space activity, an aquarium, and more environmental protection practices. 

Port Canaveral is one of two ports in Florida, who have earned a certificate in Environmental Protection. The Mardi Gras, the newest ship to homeport out of Port Canaveral, is the first cruise ship in North America to use Liquified Natural Gas (LNG). Liquified Natural Gas is one of the cleanest fuels that reduce emissions, with greener exhaust. 

The LNG serves the Mardi Gras currently, but with the implementation of the new fuel in future cruise ships, a housing facility for the LNG is in the works. 

“This port has forever taken Environmental Protection seriously,” Justice said. “We take good care of the port here.”