THE Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT) saw a record 116,000 TEU move through its terminals in July, an increase of 19 per cent year on year.

So far in fiscal year 2019, JAXPORT has handled 1.1 million TEU, a year-on-year rise of nine per cent over the same period last year. The port's fiscal year covers the period between October 1 and September 30.

The strong result places JAXPORT on target to set a new all-time high container volume for the fourth straight year, reported AJOT.

Asian container volumes were up nine per cent year-to-date with 374,200 TEU moved so far in FY19. JAXPORT's Asian trade has grown an average of 14 per cent annually over the past five years. The port offers regular service to destinations in China, South Korea, Singapore, Japan, Vietnam and Thailand.

JAXPORT's auto business in July was up six per cent compared to the same month last year, after moving 57,000 vehicles. Year-to-date, the port's auto volumes are up seven per cent and JAXPORT is on track to surpass the auto volume record set in 2017, when 693,000 units moved through the port.

Port enhancements are currently underway to accommodate the continued container and auto volume growth. JAXPORT and marine terminal operator SSA Atlantic are set to break ground on a US$238.7 million international container terminal at the Blount Island Marine Terminal, while the project to deepen the shipping channel to 47 feet is due to be completed in 2023.

http://www.shippingazette.com/news/news_frame.asp?encode=eng&ctry=&bookmark=EN2