Leadership from the Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT) recently traveled to San Juan to join the Puerto Rico Ports Authority (PRPA) in hosting the inaugural Puerto Rico – Jacksonville Ports and Partners Summit on the island. Jacksonville is the number one port in the United States for trade with Puerto Rico, handling nearly 90 percent of all sea trade between the island and the U.S. mainland.
In addition to the port authorities, other participants in the two-day event included three Jacksonville-based ocean carriers serving the island from JAXPORT—Crowley, TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico, and Trailer Bridge—as well as the Puerto Rico Manufacturers Association and the Puerto Rico Shipping Association.
“We always mention that Puerto Rico and the state of Florida share notable similarities in their ports; both are strategic, solid locations for regional and international commerce. They facilitate diverse industries and support the economy,” said PRPA Executive Director Joel A. Pizá Batiz. “The synergy and symbiotic relationship between Puerto Rico and Jacksonville are strong and critical. This summit is a testament to that sense of fellowship, friendship, and partnership.”
The summit featured discussions about best practices in a range of areas, including business continuity during hurricane season, infrastructure upgrades, grant pursuits, and sustainability. The group also toured PRPA facilities, including cargo operations at Crowley, TOTE, and Trailer Bridge.
“Puerto Rico is our longest-running trade partnership, and we are proud of the relationships we have built with our partners serving the trade,” JAXPORT CEO Eric Green said. “Many of the goods our neighbors on the island use every day come from Jacksonville, and it is an honor and a privilege to serve their community in this role.”
The goal of the summit is to continue to advance strategies outlined in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) JAXPORT signed with PRPA in 2021. Through this MOU, both ports are collaborating in key areas including business development and marketing, developing relationships with current and potential shipping companies and ocean carriers, as well as best practices in environmental protection, operations, and security.