Jaxport reports record tonnage and revenues

Jaxport reports record tonnage and revenues The Port of Jacksonville set new records for cargo tonnage and total revenues in fiscal year 2006, and although container volumes dipped slightly, officials noted that new carriers give that segment a strong outlook.
   The port said total cargo tonnage, driven by sharp increases in vehicle shipments, roll-on/roll-off cargoes and new breakbulk business, increased 3 percent to 8,696,543 tons in the fiscal year ending September 30.
   Container volumes decreased slightly, from 777,318 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) to 768,239 TEUs. The outlook for that category is strong, however, because Mitsui O.S.K. Line (MOL) and the port are developing a major new container terminal that will be operational in 2008. Nordana Line and Atlantic Container Line, whose multipurpose vessels carry containers and other cargoes, started calling the port during 2006 and will contribute to the 2007 numbers.
   Ro/Ro and vehicle shipments increased by 12 percent to 609,967 units. Breakbulk cargoes, driven by gains in paper imports, jumped a whopping 50 percent to reach 1.2 million tons.
   The port said that according to unaudited financial statements, operating revenues increased 13 percent to a record $38.5 million, and operating income grew 15 percent to $10.4 million.
   'We are very pleased to again achieve record performance forth financially and operationally,' Jaxport executive director Rick Ferrin said. 'This success is attributable to the hard work of our tenants and customers, the dedication of Jaxport employees, and the strong leadership from our board of directors.'