During the monthly Board of Directors meeting, Florida legislators presented JAXPORT with a US$23 million check for crane upgrades.
This funding will be used to purchase a new container crane for the port’s Talleyrand Marine Terminal from the Germany-based Liebherr Crane Company, as well as to refurbish existing cranes at the port’s terminals.
“I am proud to present JAXPORT with another substantial investment to update and modernize its system of container cranes. As the largest container port in the state, continued investments in container cranes are important to keep Florida’s ports competitive as a global gateway. This US$23 million will secure a new container crane and make critical updates to existing ones,” stated Paul Renner, Florida House Speaker.
The funds were appropriated by the Florida Legislature in the most recent legislative session and approved by Governor Ron DeSantis. These upgrades aim to enhance JAXPORT’s cargo-handling capabilities, increasing the volume of cargo moving through the port. This will bolster JAXPORT’s ability to create jobs and ensure supply chain security for both the region and the state. Over the past two years, the Florida Legislature has allocated a total of US$53 million to support JAXPORT’s multi-year initiative to modernize and maintain its crane fleet.
Two cranes are currently on order and are expected to arrive at JAXPORT by spring 2025. The newly funded third crane is projected to arrive in Jacksonville by fall 2025. All three cranes are being procured from Liebherr Crane Company, which manufactures them in Ireland. The appropriation request was led by State Senator Clay Yarborough and State Representative Kimberly Daniels, with full support from the Duval Legislative Delegation.