The Puerto Rico Ports Authority (PRPA) and JAXPORT have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop affirm maritime trade between Jacksonville and Puerto Rico.
“This Memorandum of Understanding between the Jacksonville Port Authority and the Puerto Rico Ports Authority is great news for Northeast Florida and our entire state,” said Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
“Florida is proud to be the second home to many Puerto Ricans, and this new agreement will build on the special relationship between the Sunshine State and our island neighbor. I look forward to the positive economic impacts this agreement will have on JAXPORT, the city of Jacksonville and Puerto Rico.”
Jacksonville is the top port in the United States for trade with Puerto Rico, handling nearly 90% of all sea trade between the island and US mainland. Puerto Rico is also Jacksonville’s number one trading partner by annual cargo volume, with nearly 800,000 container units and thousands of automobiles shipped annually between the two regions.
“This MoU highlights the strong connection between Jacksonville and Puerto Rico and strengthens our efforts to collaborate when and where both communities can benefit,” said Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry.
Under the MoU, PRPA and JAXPORT will collaborate on key areas including, business development and marketing, relationship building with current and potential ocean carriers and shippers, and best practices in environmental protection, operations and security. The ports will also work together to support each other’s growth, including sharing best practices for funding and completing major infrastructure enhancements.
JAXPORT is home to three Puerto Rican ocean carriers, all headquartered in Jacksonville: Tote Maritime Puerto Rico, Crowley Maritime and Trailer Bridge.
Source: Seatrade Maritime
