JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The future of Jacksonville’s port is looking strong, according to JAXPORT leaders who shared their vision for growth at the annual State of the Port address.
Port officials highlighted efforts to expand global trade connections, upgrade facilities, and boost the local economy in a significant way.
CEO Eric Green and Chief Commercial Officer Robert Peek outlined the port’s growing economic impact, stating that cargo activity is now supporting more than 228,000 jobs—a 22,000-job increase since the last economic impact study.
“We see an impact of growth of an additional 11 billion dollars, so it’s moved from 33 billion to 44 billion in the region as well as job creation,” Green said.
They also discussed how Jacksonville’s location makes the region well-positioned for success across the port’s business lines.
“I think what it represents is that we are stable here, we provide a good wage and opportunity for families, and we are part of this community.”
There was a panel discussion with industry experts exploring trends impacting the port’s major cargo types and Jacksonville’s emerging trade lanes.
One of the most significant projects is the $72 million modernization of the SSA Jacksonville Container Terminal. The expansion will nearly double the port’s capacity, allowing it to handle up to 2.5 million shipping containers a year starting this spring.
Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan praised JAXPORT’s performance and adaptability.
“It is astounding when you hear some of those numbers. The port continues to overperform. Eric Green has done an amazing job, and they’ve just been able to be so nimble. No matter what gets thrown their way, they continue to be nimble,” Deegan said.
Other major investments include $70 million in new cranes to support international trade and a $120 million auto-processing facility for Southeast Toyota Distributors, bringing hundreds of jobs to the area.
The cruise industry is also experiencing growth, with a record 206,000 passengers sailing from JAXPORT last year. This fall, Norwegian Cruise Line will homeport a ship in Jacksonville for the first time.
“Carnival has been very popular, and we are glad to see Norwegian as well. Cruising is very popular—people love to cruise, and I’m glad to see we have another carrier coming,” Deegan added.
Green said the projects lined up for the port highlight its expanding role in global trade.
“We have a number of initiatives underway that will build on JAXPORT’s position as Florida’s largest container port and a national leader in the movement of automobiles and breakbulk,” Green said. “All of these projects enhance our capabilities and set the stage for continued strategic growth, which supports jobs, economic impact, and supply chain security for our region and state.”
