MSC Cruises has signed a contract with Fincantieri Infrastructure Florida to develop a new terminal at PortMiami.

The plans, which were first revealed in 2019, represent a €350 million investment.

The facility will be built up of a multi-level central body that will be able to serve up to three latest-generation ships at once, with up to 36,000 passengers passing through each day.

It is expected to be completed by late 2023, and was designed by the award-winning global architecture firm Arquitectonica.

The new facility will be able to handle the largest ships, including MSC Cruises’ newest flagship, the MSC Seashore, which is presently being built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone.

Carnival is also constructing new facilities in PortMiami.

“For the past 35 years, MSC Group has been an important partner for the United States economy through our growing role as one of the leading container shipping businesses as well as terminal operators for cargo and passengers alike,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Group’s cruise division.

“In this, Miami has always been a key hub and the new MSC Terminal at PortMiami consolidates our overall presence in this important maritime centre,” he added.

The new terminal building will have office spaces, multi-level parking for at least 2,400 automobiles, and a new road link, in addition to cutting-edge passenger services.

The company will build two new docks spanning 750 metres under the conditions of the contract.

A third berth will be built by Miami-Dade County.

Fincantieri CEO Giuseppe Bono stated that Miami is undoubtedly the epicentre of global cruise tourism, as well as the perfect hub for the entire Caribbean region, and is thus the ideal showcase for a work that will reflect the best of made in Italy.

The project also includes the development of related beachfront infrastructure, including four passenger embarkation decks and water supply stations.