JaxPort CEO encouraged by yearly growth, global reach in State of the Port address
Editor's note: This story has been updated after JaxPort released a revised completion date for the JEA powerline project.
The next year at JaxPort could bring more businesses, progress on important projects and global advancement, the CEO said Thursday during the annual “State of the Port” event.
JaxPort is currently rated as the top cargo port in Florida and 10th in the country, Eric Green said.
JaxPort already had a strong start to the year – recently announcing a new cruise line boarding from the city and an expansion of one of its biggest port operators.
Previous wins, such as bringing the largest ship the port ever serviced last year, have become regular occurrences. Ships similar in size to One Stork, which arrived in May, now dock at the port weekly, Green said.
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The port moved around 1.3 million containers last year, just under the year before, according to the Savills Ports Report.
Here is what you should know about what Green said at the event, sponsored by the Propeller Club of Jacksonville.
JAXPORT reaches mid-point with JEA powerline project
One of the most exciting projects looking forward continues to be the powerline project with JEA, Green said after the event.
JaxPort and JEA reached an agreement in 2022 to raise six high-voltage transmission lines over the St. Johns River, giving additional clearance to ships that could handle as many as 18,000 TEUs, which stands for 20-foot equivalent units, coming into the Blount Island Marine Terminal.
Site construction work is expected to begin in April 2025 with a completion date in Feb. 2027.
“It's a difficult project, but we're working hand in hand with them [JEA], and we're grateful to have a partner to get this project,” he said.
JaxPort is also halfway complete with its $72 million SSA Jacksonville Container Terminal modernization project, Green said. He expected an opening date in 2025 that will increase the port's container capacity to 2 million.
JAXPORT looks to increase international opportunities
In the past week, Green said the port has established its first direct cargo line on the west coast of South America, expanding its global capabilities.
The port already had lines to Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
“We truly have a global reach,” Green said.
The announcement comes after the city welcomed Primark, an Ireland-based clothing retailer, to Jacksonville. The company opened its second U.S. distribution center on Zoo Parkway last week.
At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Green credited the recent harbor deepening as one of the reasons the port can handle bigger ocean-crossing ships.
3 million travelers served: JAXPORT looks to increase cruise numbers
After 20 years with Carnival cruises, JaxPort welcomed its 3 millionth traveler last year. Now, they hope to bring even more tourism to Jacksonville after adding Norwegian Cruise Line as an option.
The two lines will never be in port at the same time, Green said, but they could be simultaneously out of port. They both service the Bahamas and the Caribbean.
Norwegian Cruise Line will only operate half the year to start, but Green hoped they could eventually increase capacity.
“The key is whether or not we can get him here for a full year, and we'll see,” Green said.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: JaxPort talks project updates, new contracts in State of the Port 2024
