The Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT) has unveiled a new strategic plan to drive cargo volume growth and private-sector job creation for Northeast Florida.
During JAXPORT’s annual State of the Port address, CEO Eric Green and Chairman Jamie Shelton set out 10 strategic goals, including four key objectives, as part of the 2020-2025 Strategic Master Plan.
These include expanding JAXPORT’s container business, expanding vehicle capacity and volume, breakbulk operations and acquiring additional land in proximity to the Port.
Other goals include completing the harbour deepening and creating revenue from the property it currently owns. JAXPORT is also aiming to invest in new technology solutions to improve efficiency and build on what it calls its “core competencies”.
“This plan was developed with our customers in mind—ensuring we continue to meet their needs while maximising the opportunities our deepwater seaport creates for the people of Northeast Florida,” Green said.
JAXPORT said it performed well in the first quarter of its new fiscal year, which began on 1 October 2020, and Shelton said it “continued to hold the line”, with cargo volumes and revenue remaining steady.
“It’s a testament to the strength and dedication of our entire port community—especially the men and women who have worked hard to ensure the goods we use every day continue to move through JAXPORT on their way to store shelves,” Shelton explained.
Despite the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic JAXPORT continued with its infrastructure upgrades, particularly the $104 million berth expansion at the SSA Jacksonville Container Terminal on Blount Island.
The Port Authority claimed this has allowed it to drive growth regionally and become a focus of investment for manufacturers and supply chain stakeholders.
Aundra Wallace, President of JAXUSA, a private division of JAX Chamber, the area’s economic development initiative, said JAXPORT was making the supply chain rethink previous ideas about the region and explore the Jacksonville region’s potential.
“Over the last five years, JAXUSA has been involved in the announcement of 13 e-commerce operations which have invested more than $3.3 billion in infrastructure and generated more than 18,000 initial jobs to the region. Most, if not all, of these businesses want to be near a major port.”
