NORTH AMERICA

Jaxport set for Hanjin terminal green light

19 years ago

Jacksonville Port Authority (Jaxport) expects to get the green light for its third container terminal within the next six months, according to the ports operations director Chris Kauffmann.

Port Strategy: Hanjin is ready to join MOL on Jaxport's new container terminal

Jaxport is already nearing the completion of its $200m terminal at Dames Point Marine Terminal Northeast Jacksonville, which is due to receive its first Mitsui OSK Line/Tracpac vessels later this year. The new terminal is set to double the ports current capacity of 750,000 teu per year, but the planned third Asian terminal is expected to provide Jaxport with capacity to handle well over two million containers.Mr Kauffmann explained that the new $360m terminal would be developed in conjunction with Korean giant Hanjin Shipping Co and if plans are rubber stamped it should be operational by 2011, to coincide with the widening of the Panama Canal.

“We are excited about these developments,” said Mr Kauffmann. “We are fortunate to have prime real estate.”

However, due to height restriction on the St John’s River and to accommodate lager vessels at both new terminals, dredgers will be needed to deepen the channel from the current 41ft draught to 45ft or more.