Ports group wants to draw more attention to global trade

The Florida Ports Council is seeking a consultant to help further focus state lawmakers on the challenges and opportunities in attracting more global tradeto Florida’s seaports.

The state has already started to bulk up its port system in anticipation of an increase in international trade once the widening of the Panama Canal is completed in 2015.

The council, in requesting proposals for the consultant study, is seeking an analysis of current and future policy and investments possible because of scenarios including the widening of the canal, the trend toward larger cargo ships, shifting logistics, and the opening of markets in South America.

The study is expected to complement the Florida Chamber of Commerce’s 2010 Trade and Logistics study that has served as a blueprint for state lawmakers on growing the state’s 15 seaports.

“This study will be more seaport and cargo- oriented, with the focus on identifying federal impediments to Florida’s ports’ efforts to position Florida as a global hub of trade and providing recommendations on how to address these impediments,’’ Florida Ports Council spokes woman Jennifer Krell Davis said in an email.

The state has seen its seaport funding grow from $ 117 million in 2011 to about $ 288 million this year.

Applicants for the Ports Council work have until Sept. 27 to respond. The study timeline will be set when the consultant is selected.