Jaxport

Cargo handled through Florida's seaports was up at least 75% in 2021 from before the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a Florida Ports Council report. But the cruise industry is still a year or two from regaining pre-pandemic strength.

The move was one of two announced Monday to increase revenue and containers shipped through Jacksonville's port.

The Army Corps of Engineers says the lines need to be 20 feet higher for larger ships to pass through. The lines are currently 175 feet above the water line.

The berth improvements at Blount Island allow the port to simultaneously handle two of the largest cargo ships.

The 47-foot-deep channel is expected to help alleviate supply chain disruptions, although environmentalists worry it will worsen flooding along the St. Johns River and increase erosion.

A new report shows that raising JEA lines so jumbo-sized ships can reach the Blount island Terminal would cost about $42 million, higher than a previous estimate of $30 million.

Southeast Toyota Distributors moved about 157,000 vehicles through JAXPORT last year, making it one of the busiest auto shipping ports on the East Coast.

Mediterranean Shipping Co. will start weekly Caribbean container service at Blount Island Marine Terminal in April.

Gov. Ron DeSantis was in Jacksonville on Friday to announce new business at JAXPORT: service for shipping company Sea-Lead's East Coast expansion.

The Carnival Spirit cruise ship will depart JAXPORT for a five-day cruise to Nassau and Princess Cays, Bahamas, on Monday.