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The first containers bound for Disney arrived Tuesday morning aboard the MOL Paramount, with Mickey Mouse making an appearance to cut the ribbon for the first box.
According to Anthony Connelly, senior vice president and chief financial officer of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts for the United States, the company expects to ship about 2,500 TEUs a year through Jacksonville. Disney used to route all merchandise bound to its Florida resorts through the Georgia port of Savannah.
The 2,500 TEUs through Jacksonville account for about 75 percent of Disney’s merchandise destined to Florida, while the remaining 25 percent will continue to be routed through Savannah.
“Bringing a majority of our Florida-bound cargo through Jacksonville is a direct result of the port’s ongoing improvement effort,” Connelly said. With Disney comprising 2.5 percent of Florida’s GDP this is important business for the Port of Jacksonville.
According to Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown, this is “yet another example of how Jaxport is drawing new and significant business to help brand our city as America’s logistics center.”
Florida Gov. Rick Scott and Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll were also present for the announcement. Scott said “Disney’s decision underscores how important it is that we continue investing in Florida’s ports” and make sure they have a completive edge.
Carroll discussed with American Shipper what this new business means for Jacksonville and Northeast Florida. By getting its foot in the door with one of the country’s largest businesses, it offers the port and region new opportunities for the future. She said the next step is to get Disney to move all its Florida-bound cargo, including perishables, through Jaxport. – Edward Howard
