Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT) leaders recently outlined plans for growth and diversification in 2025. CEO Eric Green and Chief Commercial Officer Robert Peek highlighted increased global connectivity and terminal upgrades as key factors for future success.
In 2024, cargo activity at Jacksonville’s seaport supported over 228,100 jobs in Florida and contributed $44 billion to the regional economy. These figures were shared during the State of the Port address hosted by the Propeller Club of the United States – Port of Jacksonville. The event attracted around 600 transportation and logistics professionals.
“From the addition of new trade lanes to the completion of major growth projects, 2025 is shaping up to be a transformational year for JAXPORT,” said JAXPORT Chair Wendy Hamilton. “CEO Green has a clear vision for the continued growth and development of JAXPORT—strengthening the supply chain and creating an environment where the port’s customers and partners can thrive.”
As new global ocean carrier alliances commence, JAXPORT is expanding its container services through strategic partnerships with leading ocean carriers. These routes increase access to global markets, enhancing connectivity with emerging markets.
“Our mission is to be an economic engine and job creator for the community,” stated CEO Eric Green. “We achieve this through strategic growth across our lines of business and major initiatives to expand our capabilities across our key cargo types – containers, autos, and breakbulk.”
Several significant investments are set for completion in 2025:
– SSA Jacksonville Container Terminal: A $72 million modernization project will expand capacity to nearly 2.5 million TEUs annually.
– New Cranes: Over $70 million is being invested in upgrading cranes, including three new Liebherr cranes arriving later this year.
– Southeast Toyota Distributors: A new auto processing facility at Blount Island will open this summer with $120 million in private investment.
– Auto Berth Upgrade: Expansion of Vehicle Berth 22 was completed last month.
Other ongoing initiatives include increasing air draft clearance near Blount Island by working with local electric provider JEA, anticipated by late 2026; expanding breakbulk operations at Talleyrand terminal; and constructing a new vehicle berth at Blount Island by 2027.
The port’s location in Southeast U.S. also boosts demand for cruise business. Carnival celebrated two decades at JAXPORT last year with a record-setting passenger count. This fall, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Gem will homeport in Jacksonville for the first time.
