Jaxport CEO Eric Green said the harbor-deepening project is ahead of schedule and may even beat competitors to the north who are also racing to deepen their ports.
Green called it a “photo finish” on Thursday at the State of the Port address but added that it all hinges on funding.
In about two weeks, Jaxport will welcome the largest vessel to ever call at its port.
It’s a sign of the industry.
As ships keep getting larger, Jaxport is racing against other ports to the north to deepen the harbor.
“The anticipated completion of the deepening is 2025. Because of the increase in funding, we have shaved about two years off of that. We’re looking at 2023,” said Green.
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Action News Jax traveled to the Republic of Panama back in 2014 to show you how the Panama Canal’s expansion was a major reason ports up and down the East Coast began to deepen their harbors.
Because of where Jacksonville is situated, it also sees a growth in traffic from the Suez Canal.
Green said deepening the habor 47 feet will keep Jacksonville competitive.
“For every $1 that’s spent in the deepening, the economy will see $24 reinvested back. We’re talking about 13,000 new jobs because of the deepening of the harbor,” said Green.
However, the St. Johns Riverkeeper is challenging the Army Corps of Engineers over the project. The group wants to see more safeguards in place to ensure the environment won’t be negatively impacted by the dredging.
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