- SSA Marine Slip Knott propose Knott-Cowen Cruise Port near Sunshine Skyway Bridge.
- Accommodates larger low-emissions vessels unable to pass bridge height.
- Built on 328-acre tract with Rattlesnake Key preservation.
- Privately financed, generates 31,000 jobs and $1.6bn wages.
SSA Marine and Slip Knott LLC are exploring a new cruise port adjacent to the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Manatee County, Florida.
The Knott-Cowen Cruise Port targets larger, low-emissions vessels restricted by bridge height. The multi-berth terminal occupies the 328-acre Knott-Cowen tract. Environmental protection includes preserving adjacent Rattlesnake Key. SSA Marine acquired the 710-acre Rattlesnake Key through its subsidiary for conservation.
SSA Marine shared in a written statement “As cruise ships continue to modernise, the region will be well positioned to align with and support the cruise industry’s future growth Environmental protection is a core component of the project, which includes the preservation of the adjacent Rattlesnake Key.”
The area has long been the subject of concern regarding potential future commercial development, and our intent in purchasing the property is to remove any possibility of private commercialization and ensure its conservation.”
The project is privately financed by SSA Marine and aims to modernize West Central Florida’s cruise infrastructure and deliver significant economic benefits. While the project remains in the early planning phase and will be subject to zoning and other required approvals, initial work has already begun to identify and evaluate potential considerations, including traffic, noise, environmental impacts and public access.”
