News

Jacksonville is one (big) step closer to expanding its ability to handle large cargo.  JAXPORT recently announced that it will receive an additional $93 million in federal funding for deepening the St. Johns River through the port’s Blount Island Marine Terminal.  This project will take depths to 47 feet and enables JAXPORT to compete with other Southeast ports for the fast-growing Asian container trade business as draft continues to increase.

Building on the momentum of a record-setting year in 2019, this level of federal funding truly showcases the significance of this project to the entire Southeast.  The port currently supports more than 132,000 jobs and has an annual economic impact of $27 billion.  This deepening project will further expand opportunities for many of the important industries in the region, particularly advanced transportation & logistics.

Upon completion of the deepening project, expected in 2023, two years ahead of schedule, the SSA Jacksonville Container Terminal at Blount Island will have the ability to simultaneously house two post-Panamax vessels.  This expanded footprint will allow for increased levels of capacity and productivity in processing containers coming into Jacksonville.

Looking ahead, the deepening of the port serves as an example of what makes the Jacksonville region unique – the framework has been laid to ensure that the area will continue to serve as a source of growth, innovation and opportunity.  New and expanded cargo capacity means new prospects for the region and a “deeper” understanding and appreciation of Jacksonville’s connection point to the world.

For more information, read JAXPORT’s press release.