JAXPORT Presented with $23 Million for Container Crane Purchase & Refurbishment

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (September 20, 2024) – Florida Legislators presented JAXPORT with a $23 million check for crane upgrades during today’s monthly Board of Directors meeting. The funding will be used to purchase a new container crane for the port’s Talleyrand Marine Terminal from Germany-based Liebherr Crane Company, as well as the refurbishment of existing cranes at the port’s terminals.

The funding was appropriated by the Florida Legislature during this past legislative session and approved by Governor Ron DeSantis. The crane addition and upgrades will increase JAXPORT’s cargo handling efficiencies, allowing more cargo to move through the port. Increasing cargo volumes supports JAXPORT’s ability to create jobs and provide supply chain security for the region and state. 

“I am proud to present JAXPORT with another substantial investment to update and modernize its system of container cranes,” said Florida House Speaker Paul Renner. “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 $23 million will secure a new container crane and make critical updates to existing ones.”

“Improving the container capacity and other capabilities of JAXPORT supports Florida’s overall economy, as Jacksonville is in a strategic location to facilitate commerce opportunities throughout Florida, the Southeast, and the Eastern seaboard,” said Senate President Kathleen Passidomo. “This funding, advocated for in the Senate by Senator Yarborough, will certainly be money well spent with results felt in the local economy and throughout Florida.”

"This funding shows our commitment to support Jacksonville's vital role in the global supply chain," said State Senator Clay Yarborough. "Container cranes are one of the most critical pieces of infrastructure at a port and ensure the efficient flow of cargo that keep our local and state economies strong for businesses and residents alike."

"I am thrilled that we are presenting a $23 million check to JAXPORT," said Rep. Kimberly Daniels. "JAXPORT is Florida’s largest container port and ranks among the nation’s biggest vehicle handling ports. Continuous funding for JAXPORT is vital for the economic stability of our community. When people start talking about ports, we want JAXPORT to be at the forefront of the conversation. I want to personally thank my colleagues in the Florida Legislature for their commitment to funding this great project.”

Over the last two years, the Florida legislature has awarded JAXPORT a total of $53 million to support JAXPORT’s multi-year initiative to upgrade and maintain its crane fleet. Two cranes are currently on order and expected to arrive at JAXPORT in spring 2025. With this new funding in place, JAXPORT is procuring the third crane, which is expected to arrive in Jacksonville in the fall 2025. All three cranes were purchased from Germany-based Liebherr Crane Company, which has a manufacturing facility in Ireland.

"We are grateful to Governor Ron DeSantis, Speaker Paul Renner, Senate President Passidomo and the entire Florida Legislature for their longstanding support of JAXPORT," said JAXPORT CEO Eric Green. "As our state's population continues to grow, modernizing our crane fleet allows us to maintain efficiencies while building on our ability to grow cargo volumes and related jobs."

The appropriation request was submitted by State Senator Clay Yarborough and State Representative Kimberly Daniels. The entire Duval Legislative Delegation also supported the funding.

JAXPORT is Florida’s largest container port and one of the nation’s top vehicle-handling ports. Cargo activity through Jacksonville’s seaport supports 207,000 jobs and $33 billion in annual economic impact for the region and state.