The Port of Jacksonville Authority (Jaxport) has reaffirmed its business ties with the Puerto Rico Ports Authority (PRPA) as they signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen relations.
In a statement, Jaxport said a delegation including its CEO Eric Green and COO Fred Wong visited the PRPA to discuss current and future projects following a similar agreement in April 2021.
Under the MOU, PRPA and Jaxport will collaborate in key areas including business development and marketing, developing relationships with current and potential shipping companies and ocean carriers, and best practices in environmental protection, operations, and security.
Jacksonville is the number one port in the United States for trade with the island, handling almost 90% of all maritime cargo moving between Puerto Rico and the U.S. mainland.
“The history and success of JAXPORT can be traced directly to our trading relationship with Puerto Rico – and we are pleased to have signed an MOU this year with the PRPA to formally recognize this partnership,” Green said.
“We are committed to working together to continue to build on this success and the positive impact it has on jobs and businesses in our communities.”
PRPA Executive Director Joel A. Piza Batiz also commented. ““We are extremely pleased to welcome Chief Executive Officer Eric Green, Chief Operating Officer Fred Wong, and Director of Cruise and Cargo Development Alberto Cabrera, who responded to our invitation to visit our maritime cargo and cruise ship facilities and learn more about our operations.
“With this pleasant visit, we continue to further strengthen our relationship with JAXPORT. During our meeting on the island, we coordinated a seminar-type work session scheduled for February 2022, to establish joint protocols for hurricanes and other disasters.
“There will be a special session just for members of the press who can learn in detail about the supply chain.
“We continue working to further strengthen our close relationship with JAXPORT, so that it is of mutual benefit for both port authorities and for the residents of Puerto Rico and Jacksonville.”
