SSA Marine and Slip Knott LLC are exploring the development of a new cruise port adjacent to the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Manatee County in Florida.

According to the project’s website, the new Knott-Cowen Cruise Port aims to complement existing cruise activities in West Central Florida by accommodating newer, larger, low-emissions vessels.

These ships are currently unable to visit the region due to the height restrictions of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, the developers added.

“As cruise ships continue to modernize, the region will be well positioned to align with and support the cruise industry’s future growth,” SSA Marine and Slip Knott stated.

The proposal consists of a multi-berth cruise terminal immediately adjacent to the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, to be constructed on the 328-acre Knott-Cowen tract in Manatee County.

Environmental protection is a core component of the project, which includes the preservation of the adjacent Rattlesnake Key.

In addition to allowing less-impacting ships to visit the region, the port will protect the area, which was described as a “treasured local community asset.”

SSA Marine reportedly acquired the 710-acre Rattlesnake Key property through its subsidiary, the Rattlesnake Key Preservation Company.

“(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’s website explained.

The project is privately financed by SSA Marine and aims to “modernize West Central Florida’s cruise infrastructure and deliver significant economic benefits.”

Construction of the proposed cruise port is anticipated to take approximately three to five years following planning stages, which started in early 2026.

“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,” developers said.

SSA Marine and Slip Knott estimate that the project will generate more than 31,000 jobs in industries directly and indirectly related to the port in the state and region, boosting labor wages by $1.6 billion.

The infrastructure investment is projected to generate more than $5 billion in total economic impact for the state and regional economy.

Manatee County is no stranger to cruise operations, with Port Manatee serving as a homeport for various vessels in the past.

Cruise Industry News, Regal Cruises was the last line to sail out of the port, which was located past the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.

With the brand declaring bankruptcy in 2003, Port Manatee was left with no ships and ultimately exited the cruise industry.