The Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT) is continuing on its volume growth path, having set new records in containers, vehicles and overall tonnage handled during the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2019.
Florida’s largest container port moved more than 1.338 million TEUs, a 5 percent increase over 2018, which was also a record year in container volumes for the port.
JAXPORT has set container volume records for four consecutive years.
The port also moved the most vehicles in its history, nearly 696,500 total units, maintaining its position as one of the nation’s busiest vehicle handling ports. Strong auto sales in the Southeast U.S., combined with growing global demand for previously owned vehicles, contributed to the growth.
In another record for the port, 10.9 million tons of total cargo moved through JAXPORT last year, up 4 percent over 2018.
Dry bulk cargoes (which include non-containerized commodities such as limestone and gravel) increased 19 percent over 2018, with nearly 880,000 tons shipped.
Breakbulk cargoes, including wood pulp, increased 7 percent with 934,600 tons moved. Liquid bulk cargoes, including molasses and corn syrup, are up 4 percent with nearly 380,300 tons moved.
JAXPORT noted it has recorded year-over-year cargo revenue growth for more than a decade.
Other highlights of the fiscal year included a further USD 35.3 million contract for the Jacksonville Harbor Deepening project which remains on track to be completed in 2023, two years ahead of schedule.
Additionally, terminal operator SSA Atlantic is set to break ground on an international container terminal at JAXPORT’s Blount Island terminal.