SSA Marine partners with Jaxport to break ground on $238.7 million project

Jaxport breaks ground on $238.7 million Blount Island terminal

PortandTerminal.com, November 24, 2019

JACKSONVILLE, FL – Jaxport and SSA Marine broke ground Friday on a $238.7 million project to revamp the marine terminal on Blount Island.

The ceremony follows JAXPORT’s inking of a long-term agreement with SSA Marine for the development and operation of the US$238 million SSA Jacksonville International Gateway Terminal, a new mega-ship ready container terminal.

The SSA Jacksonville Container Terminal is a public-private partnership between Jaxport and SSA Marine. Enhancements will include investments infrastructure, cranes, lighting, signage and enhancements to accommodate more vessels.

Funding for the project includes $109 million from Jaxport, $109.7 million from SSA, and $20 million from the federal government.

*U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administrator Rear Adm. Mark Buzby speaks at the ceremony.*

U.S. Maritime Administrator Mark Buzby came to present Jaxport with a $20 million dollar check. He stressed the importance of investing infrastructure, like ports not only because of their commercial capabilities but because of the defensive capabilities, as well. Jaxport is one of 17 strategic military ports in the country.

“It is a central part of President Trump and Secretary Chao’s belief of investing in infrastructure to grow our economy and create jobs. This grant will also indirectly help support the jobs of the American civilian mariners who crew military sealift vessels that help us carry the fight wherever we must go,” said Adm. Buzby.

The terminal is estimated to bring more than 3,500 jobs over the next 10 years.