Harbor Deepening

Jacksonville Harbor Deepening is underway.

Deepening the harbor is essential to meet the needs of larger cargo ships transiting the Suez and Panama canals as those vessels deliver cargo to JAXPORT terminals. A 47-foot depth for the federal channel will position JAXPORT as the first U.S. East Coast port of call for fully loaded New Panamax class vessels.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) conducted a comprehensive, years-long economic, engineering and environmental study of the project, which began construction in Feb. 2018. The project is scheduled to be completed in 2023, based on continued funding from all partners.

The Jacksonville Harbor Deepening project is divided into four segments, contracts A-D, which make up the full length of the 13-mile federally authorized project. The current funding model covers the project’s first 11 miles (contracts A, B and C).

Contractors for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are simultaneously working to complete contracts A and B, which will deepen a total of 8 miles. Contract A is scheduled to be complete in spring 2020, with contract B scheduled to conclude in May 2021.

Contract C will deepen an additional 3 miles to Blount Island and is entering the final design phase.

More information about the Harbor Deepening project is available on the USACE website.

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