Posted on May 16, 2025
Thank you to Sen. Rick Scott, Sen. Ashley Moody, Congresswoman Laurel Lee, and Congressman Jimmy Patronis for meeting with Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT), Crowley, and TOTE Maritime this week to discuss the benefits of bringing more manufacturing to the island and the continued growth of the domestic maritime industry in Puerto Rico. Returning manufacturing back to the U.S., including places like Puerto Rico, strengthens the national supply chain by reducing dependence on foreign countries for critical items like pharmaceuticals and medical supplies.
Jacksonville is the No. 1 U.S. port for trade with the island, handling 90% of its maritime commerce with the mainland. JAXPORT has three ocean carriers that handle trade to/from Puerto Rico, all on U.S.-flagged ships with U.S. crews sailing several times a week from Jacksonville to Puerto Rico to transport containers, vehicles and oversized cargo. Together, these carriers move more than 800,000 containers and approximately 3.4 million tons of cargo annually.
The Jones Act fleet servicing Puerto Rico includes modern, state-of-the-art vessels, such as the world’s first LNG-powered container ship and the first U.S.-flagged LNG carrier bringing U.S.-sourced natural gas to Puerto Rico. The domestic maritime industry is committed to meeting the needs of the island while also supporting the long-term economic requirements of the people and communities of Puerto Rico. https://lnkd.in/ezXZzQYN
