Jacksonville Port Authority Chairman Jamie Shelton and CEO Eric Green unveiled the port’s 2020-25 Strategic Master Plan during a Feb. 23 virtual State of the Port address.
They also talked about current conditions, saying that COVID-19 presented challenges for the port to sustain cargo volume and revenue.
“JaxPort continues to hold the line. It’s been a good year, considering everything we’ve gone through,” Shelton said.
“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.”
JaxPort’s senior leadership team and international maritime consultant Martin Associates developed the strategic plan.
The 2014-19 strategic plan focused on more than $100 million of infrastructure improvements, including deepening the harbor from the Atlantic Ocean to the Blount Island Marine Terminal and improving berthing and cargo handling facilities.
With the projects comprising the previous plan complete, or nearing completion, the new plan focuses on building the port’s cargo business and creating jobs.
The 2020-25 plan focuses on four strategies:
• Expanding container business at Florida’s largest container port by growing trans-Atlantic and trans-Pacific business.
• Expanding vehicle capacity and volume to maintain JaxPort’s position as one of the leading vehicle-handling ports in the U.S.
• Expanding breakbulk business lines to maintain a diversified revenue stream.
• Acquiring additional land near the port for expansion of tenant facilities.
Other goals outlined in the plan include completing the harbor deepening to 47 feet by 2022; creating revenue from all property owned; rebuilding the cruise business line post-pandemic; investing in technology to improve efficiency of port operations; and prioritizing investment in infrastructure, equipment and facilities.
“The strategic plan positions Jacksonville for the future,” Green said.
Aundra Wallace, president of JAX Chamber’s JAXUSA Partnership business development division, said JaxPort is a valuable partner for recruiting growth and investment in Northeast Florida.
“In the last five years, we’ve brought in 13 economic development projects with $3.3 billion in capital investment and 18,000 jobs,” Wallace said.
Visit https://www.jaxport.com/corporate/about-jaxport/strategic-plan/ to view the highlights of the 2020-25 program.
The Propeller Club of the United States - Port of Jacksonville hosted the State of the Port.