The Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT) has announced the completion of the final phase of $100 million in berth enhancements at the SSA Jacksonville Container Terminal (JCT) at Blount Island.
Some 75 per cent of the project was funded by the Florida Department of Transportation with a 25 per cent injection from JAXPORT.
This final phase comprised the rehabilitation of 700 linear feet of deepwater berthing space, and was completed in coordination with the Jacksonville Harbor Deepening Project.
Last March, JAXPORT Chief Executive Officer Eric Green outlined the port’s growth opportunities and plans for the future during a State of the Port Address.
The SSA JCT now features a 47-foot channel depth with 2,400 linear feet of newly rebuilt berthing space, capable of simultaneously accommodating two post-Panamax container ships.
The berth improvements were accompanied by 10 new eco-friendly diesel-powered cranes to help JAXPORT reduce emissions.
“This project significantly enhances our deepwater berthing capabilities at Blount Island, maximising the efficiencies created by the deepening project,” said JAXPORT CEO Eric Green.
“We are grateful for the continued support from the State of Florida as we work to build the port of the future and bring more cargo—and the jobs and economic impact it supports—to Jacksonville.”
More than $72 million in phased yard improvements are underway to enable the SSA JCT to accommodate 500,000 TEU annually. The yard improvements are funded by SSA Atlantic and a $20 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration (MARAD).
The federal project to deepen the Jacksonville shipping channel to a depth of 47 metres was completed through Blount Island in May 2022. The project included the construction of a new vessel turning basin that now allows larger vessels calling at SSA JCT to turn around at Blount Island.
Most recently, JAXPORT signed a $210 million long-term lease and relocation agreement with Southeast Toyota Distributors (SET).
Under the agreement, SET will relocate operations from its 50-acre facility at JAXPORT’s Talleyrand Marine Terminal and an adjacent 23-acre private facility into a single 88-acre property at the port’s Blount Island Marine Terminal.
