The Working River

Miami’s historic “working river” origins include generations of trade, transportation and commerce.  Today, cargo shipping, boat repair,marine related services and supporting businesses help continue this legacy.

Miami River marinas, restaurants, inns, as well as, historic shipyards that provide heavy lift capability where yachts, commercial and government vessels from around the world schedule regular inspections, repairs, paint, repowering and remodeling, all serve residents and visitors from around the globe.

The Miami River is a key transit point for goods destined for the islands of the Caribbean and the Atlantic ports of South and Central America.  At its busiest, Miami River shallow draft cargo ships make as many as 2000 movements in and out of the river annually, an average of 5 entries or exits a day.  Miami River cargo ships call on more than 100 ports throughout the Caribbean basin, Central and South America.

The Miami River marine industries generated a $2.9 billion dollar output, $1.5 billion in income, 24,000 related jobs and $136 million in tax revenues to the State of Florida.

  (Biscayne Bay Economic Study, South Florida Water Management District, February 2005) .