TRIESTE – The world’s most modern and advanced cruise terminal has been inaugurated in Miami — a global milestone that brings together the MSC Group and Fincantieri, this time through its subsidiary Fincantieri Infrastructure.
Named the MSC Miami Cruise Terminal, it marks a turning point in the cruise boarding experience, combining unprecedented operational capacity, cutting-edge technology, environmental sustainability, and iconic architectural design.
Owned by the Cruise Division of MSC — which includes both MSC Cruises and the luxury brand Explora Journeys — the new terminal covers nearly 46,000 square meters, with a length of 632 meters, a width of 85 meters, and a height of 29 meters across four levels. The facility can handle up to 36,000 passengers per day and three large cruise ships simultaneously, thanks to shore power connections that eliminate emissions while docked.
The terminal’s futuristic design was created by Arquitectonica, the firm renowned for transforming Miami’s urban landscape. With more than 12,700 square meters of glass surfaces, the building blends seamlessly with the city’s skyline, becoming both an integral part of it and a symbol of the new cruise era. The facility also includes 1,490 square meters of green areas, numerous offices, and a multi-story parking garage with more than 2,450 parking spaces.

One of the terminal’s standout features is the new baggage handling system developed by Leonardo: for the first time in the cruise industry, cross-belt technology — already proven in airports — has been introduced. The system allows for fast, secure, and efficient luggage processing, with security checks based on biometric facial recognition, 22 screening lines, 360 meters of conveyor belts, and a 100-meter MBHS sorter system.
The terminal also incorporates advanced solutions for energy efficiency, waste sorting, and water recycling. The technical, environmental, and financial due diligence was conducted by RINA, which oversaw the entire project’s development and will also monitor the operational phase.

In a video message broadcast during the ceremony, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated: “The inauguration of the MSC Terminal in Miami is a source of pride for our nation. The government has supported and backed the construction of this infrastructure, the result of collaboration between MSC Cruises and Fincantieri, not only because it is a symbol of Italian excellence in combining tradition and innovation, but also because it serves as a remarkable showcase for Made in Italy and what we do best. This project, which will bring mutual benefits to Italy and the United States, is further proof of the added value that the Italian system can generate, especially in sectors where our country has a longstanding tradition and world-class technological and industrial expertise — such as the maritime sector. The sea means many things to Italy: it’s history, identity, culture, and the blue line that shapes our beautiful land and makes it unique. Now more than ever, the blue economy is central to our national strategy and represents a strategic asset we are determined to invest in. Our goal is to become increasingly influential, by combining our great maritime tradition with innovations that can drive the sector forward. We already hold a leadership position in shipbuilding, shipping, cruising, and many other areas, but I am convinced that we have even greater untapped potential, and it is our duty to unlock it.”

“We are proud to have delivered the world’s largest and most technologically advanced cruise terminal, setting new standards for the entire industry and offering our guests a unique experience during both embarkation and disembarkation, making every cruise even more exciting and immersive. This extraordinary, state-of-the-art facility,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of the MSC Group’s Cruise Division, “symbolizes our commitment to high-quality tourism, our spirit of innovation, our long-term vision, and the passion we put into improving every aspect of what we do. Building this terminal required tremendous effort and posed significant challenges, which we overcame thanks to the collaboration of our partners. I warmly thank everyone who contributed to this major achievement — especially the many Italian companies that brilliantly supported us in creating this outstanding example of ‘Made in Italy’ in the United States.”

“The inauguration of the new MSC Cruises terminal in Miami is an extraordinary testament to Fincantieri’s ability to deliver highly complex projects even beyond and far from our traditional shipyards,” commented Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO of Fincantieri. “Today we have completed a bold project, overcoming major challenges while keeping every commitment made to a key customer like MSC. It is also a source of pride to have brought Italian engineering excellence overseas in the construction of the world’s largest cruise terminal. Beyond the major engineering effort, this project required the complex coordination of an extensive supply chain, which we managed efficiently to meet the ambitious quality and architectural standards. I thank everyone who, true to Fincantieri’s reputation, made it possible to complete this bold endeavor and build an iconic structure that will become an integral part of the Miami Beach skyline.”

Key figures of the new terminal
• length: 632 m / width: 85 m / height: 29 m (4 floors)
• total area: 45,787 m²
• glass surface: 12,777 m²
• capacity: up to 36,000 transiting passengers per day
• green areas: 1,490 m²
• steel used: 5,300 tons
• total steel deck surface (including roof): 54,000 m²
• installed electrical cables: 1.1 million meters
• marine excavation: 620,000 m³
• hours worked: over 2 million
• garage: length 209 m / width 94 m / height 31 m (6 floors) / area: 121,546 m²
• parking spaces: 2,450 (plus 245 accessible spaces)