News & Updates
President’s Message: April 2024
As crews continue the challenging efforts of removing the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge from the Port of Baltimore’s shipping channels, Florida’s system of seaports continues to offer support to our industry partners.
Many of Florida’s 16 seaports offer efficient alternatives for the movement of cargo to and from the Baltimore market. JAXPORT for example, one of the nation’s top vehicle-handling ports, is already receiving cargo initially bound for Baltimore. JAXPORT typically receives upwards of 700,000 new vehicles each year, and in the last few weeks, they received a shipment of 1,600 vehicles that were originally scheduled for delivery in Baltimore.
Florida’s ports are America’s supply chain solution, and our reliable and resilient seaports are ready to ensure cargo can get from ship to shelf.
Of course, the tragic events in Baltimore have also raised questions about bridges at other ports throughout the country, including Florida. The partnerships we have with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Florida Department of Transportation, harbor pilots and others, helps to ensure Florida’s port infrastructure is strong, safe and secure.
I was proud to attend the Port Safety, Security and Infrastructure Investment hearing held recently at PortMiami by the joint Maritime Transportation Subcommittee of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and the Transportation and Maritime Security Subcommittee of the Committee on Homeland Security. Special thanks to PortMiami’s Fred Wong Jr., for testifying before this congressional committee, and sharing important comments on these vital components to the maritime and supply chain industry, and to Congressmen Daniel Webster, Carlos Gimenez and Mario Diaz Balart for their leadership.
Recently, I sat down with the News Service of Florida to answer five questions about Florida’s ports in the wake of the Baltimore bridge collapse, and I encourage you to read it to learn more about the efforts our seaports are engaged in.
As always, thank you for your leadership in helping make Florida America’s supply chain solution.