During the State of the Port address, Εric Green, the CEO of the Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT), highlighted significant growth initiatives in progress at port terminals in Jacksonville. These initiatives are strategically positioning the city for increased cargo volume in the future.
The event, hosted by the Propeller Club of the United States – Port of Jacksonville, offered updates on JAXPORT’s infrastructure projects, business prospects, and the supply chain dynamics affecting the maritime industry in Northeast Florida. Over 500 transportation and logistics professionals attended the event.
“JAXPORT and our partners have celebrated a series of significant developments already this year. From the addition of new trade lanes and public-private partnerships to a new cruise service, we are building on our diversification of business and preparing for growth across key cargo types and business lines,” stated Eric Green.
In 2024, significant business developments are underway at JAXPORT. They include the introduction of a direct container service to the West Coast of South America, managed by MSC, which merges existing routes to enhance connectivity.
Additionally, a long-term agreement with Enstructure will expand operations at the Talleyrand Marine Terminal, utilizing space previously occupied by Southeast Toyota for additional cargo storage.
Norwegian Cruise Line has also inked a deal with JAXPORT to offer passenger cruise services starting November 2025. The Norwegian Gem will become a seasonal fixture, offering trips to The Bahamas and Eastern Caribbean. Furthermore, European fashion giant Primark has opened a new distribution centre in Jacksonville, drawn by the port’s capabilities.
On the infrastructure front, JAXPORT is midway through a US$72 million modernization project at SSA Jacksonville Container Terminal, set to double container capacity by 2025. Vehicle processing facilities are expanding, with Southeast Toyota constructing a new processing facility and JAXPORT widening berths at Blount Island.
Environmentally-friendly initiatives are also in motion, with the introduction of eco-friendly equipment and a sustainability initiative investing in hybrid-electric machinery.
“These developments are catalyzing growth in industrial real estate beyond JAXPORT, with significant leasing activity reported,” stated a JAXPORT spokesperson.
Furthermore, CEO Green announced during the event that Frida, a prominent baby products supplier, known for its popular SnotSucker nasal aspirator, has recently inaugurated a new 25,083 square meter distribution centre in Westlake Industrial Park located in West Jacksonville. Almost all of the company’s cargo destined for the United States is transported through JAXPORT.
During 2023, JAXPORT handled over 1.3 million containers, solidifying its status as the largest container port in Florida and ranking among the top 10 container ports nationwide. The cargo operations at Jacksonville’s seaport sustain 138,000 jobs and contribute to an annual economic output of US$31 billion for both the region and the state.
