Feb 1, 2006 9:44 AM, from staff and wire reports

P&O Ports North America Inc has established a long-term contract with the Tampa Port Authority for P&O to operate terminals for refrigerated and general cargo at the Florida port.

The two entities also said that P&O Ports North America will run the recently finished Hooker's Point Container Terminal and try to boost container handling at the port.

Both these transactions stem from an agreement between the Tampa Port Authority and SSA Gulf Inc to end their terminal operator concession agreement. The Port Authority and SSA Atlantic Terminals Inc also consented to end the Harborside Refrigerated Services lease agreement.