JAXPORT focused on building the port of the future
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As the industry works to adapt to the changing business climate surrounding COVID-19, JAXPORT continues to focus on building the port of the future. Here is a recap of the latest news happening around the port:
Jacksonville City Council unanimously votes to support harbor deepening
On July 28, the Jacksonville City Council unanimously awarded JAXPORT $75 million for the project—comprised of a $35 million grant and a $40 million loan. During his August 5 video conference, Mayor Lenny Curry signed the legislation approved by City Council for the deepening project saying, “I am grateful for Eric Green and his team at JAXPORT, and our state and federal partners for their support and confidence in our city.”
“As Northeast Florida’s economic engine, JAXPORT will continue to play a vital role in the economic recovery of our region and state,” said JAXPORT CEO Eric Green. “We are grateful for the support and leadership of Mayor Curry, the Jacksonville City Council, and our federal, state and private industry partners, as we work together to build a brighter future for our community through the jobs and opportunities a deeper harbor creates.”
Ahead of schedule and anticipated to be complete in 2023, harbor deepening will allow larger container ships to call JAXPORT with more cargo on board, bringing more jobs and dollars to our region. Learn more about the project here.
Volkswagen renews commitment to Jacksonville
JAXPORT announced at its August Board meeting that Volkswagen Group of America (VWGoA) and Amports Inc. have reached an agreement to keep VWGoA’s Southeast U.S. distribution operations in Jacksonville. The auto manufacturer operates approximately 80 acres at JAXPORT in addition to a 260,000-square-foot parts distribution facility in Jacksonville.
“Jacksonville has been a good home base for our Southeast U.S. distribution operations,” said Mark Ilijanic, VWGoA Senior Vice President – Parts & Vehicle Logistics. “Our partnerships with the port and our service providers in Northeast Florida are very strong and we are proud of the positive economic impact our operations have on this community.”
Read the top three reasons VWGoA is finding success in Jacksonville.
First-of-its-kind, LNG-powered RoRo ship visits JAXPORT
The 7,500-car-capacity vessel is the first of two new LNG-powered ships built by Siem Car Carriers AS and commissioned by Volkswagen of America. Siem Car Carriers says the ships reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 25 percent and sulphur oxide emissions up to 100 percent.
“Siem Confucius and its sister ship, Siem Aristotle, are among the most modern and eco-friendly ships serving the automotive industry today,” said Siem Car Carriers President Jeffrey Campbell. “By investing in world-class technology and maintaining a modern and efficient fleet, we are able to reduce emissions and our overall carbon footprint, while delivering the world-class service our customers have come to expect from Siem.”
Jacksonville is the nation’s No. 2 vehicle-handling port and the only U.S. East Coast port offering on-dock and near-dock LNG fueling capabilities. Learn more about LNG in Jacksonville.
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