The Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT) has achieved a significant advantage in international shipping, becoming the first Southeast U.S. port of call in the Premier Alliance’s revised East Coast 3 (EC3) container service. This strategic positioning greatly enhances direct trade links between JAXPORT and key Asian ports.
Strategic Port Sequencing for Faster Transit
The EC3 service, operated by Ocean Network Express (ONE), HMM, and Yang Ming as part of the Premier Alliance, connects key Asian ports to the U.S. East Coast. In its revised port rotation, Jacksonville is now the first Southeast U.S. port of call, preceding Savannah, Charleston, and Norfolk.
The service’s revised sequence is: Laem Chabang (Thailand), Cai Mep (Vietnam), Singapore, and Colombo (Sri Lanka), before reaching the U.S. East Coast, starting with Jacksonville. This new positioning provides significant advantages to shippers, primarily faster transit times and more efficient operations. Robert Peek, JAXPORT Chief Commercial Officer, highlighted that “Being the first Southeast port of call means shippers benefit from faster transit times and efficient terminal operations.” This move strengthens Jacksonville’s role as a vital entry point to the growing Southeast market, cutting shipping times from Asia by as much as five days.
Major Terminal Upgrades at Blount Island
Vessels on the EC3 service call at the SSA Jacksonville Container Terminal at Blount Island, which has undergone and is nearing completion of major modernization upgrades.
Key enhancements at the terminal include:
- A 47-foot-deep channel, which significantly improves accessibility for larger vessels.
- Elimination of berth congestion, ensuring smoother and more reliable vessel turnarounds.
- A $72 million investment in the terminal’s modernization is nearing completion. This project encompasses 97 acres of new paving to support higher container stacks, allowing for more efficient use of space, and a new, upgraded terminal gate system to enhance traffic flow and reduce truck waiting times.
These infrastructure improvements are part of JAXPORT’s broader investment in its facilities, designed to accommodate larger ships and increased cargo volumes, further cementing its role as a critical logistics hub.
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Source: Container News
