JaxPort posts small rise in TEU volume for FY ’14

Asia-origin cargo is growing at faster clip relative to other container trade.    Container throughput at the Port of Jacksonville grew 1 percent, or 10,000 TEUs, to 936,973 TEUs for fiscal year 2014, ended Sept. 30, but the port authority was quick to point out that container shipments from Asia grew 20 percent above the 2013 level.
   The Asian container trade is the fastest growing segment of JaxPort’s container cargo business, accounting for almost 30 percent of total container volume, compared to a 24-percent share the previous year. Meanwhile, the port has seen its core trade with Puerto Rico soften in recent years.
   Currently, 12 global ocean carriers working the Asia-U.S. trade lane offer service at JaxPort through the Panama and Suez Canals. One of the primary carriers is Japan’s MOL, which operates the TraPac Terminal at JaxPort. Last year it handled about 200,000 standard shipping units.
   Auto units declined 4 percent to 605,170 from 630,697 and breakbulk tonnage fell 16 percent to 792,344 tons from 941,983 tons. Autos represent the second biggest business segment for JaxPort in terms of tonnage.
   Port authority revenue was flat at $54 million.
   Local and state officials are striving to build up the port’s capabilities to receive bigger vessels and spur regional economic development. Congress recently authorized the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to proceed with deepening the St. John River an additional 5 feet to 47 feet. The pre-engineering and design phase is underway and is expected to be completed by September. Officials anticipate vessels up to 8,000 TEUs or more eventually entering the harbor. The port authority and the state are responsible for more than half the $684 million cost.
   The port authority and the state are also investing $37.6 million in giant cranes that can reach 22 rows of containers on big ships and to upgrade berths to support the cranes and ships. Meanwhile, work is underway on the construction of an on-dock rail facility at the Dames Point Marine Terminal to be served by CSX Transportation.
   Jacksonville is the 12th-largest container port in the mainland United States, according to figures from the American Association of Port Authorities.