The Jacksonville Port Authority (Jaxport) has amended the timeline for construction of a new container terminal in North Jacksonville for Hanjin Shipping of South Korea.

The schedule adjustment will permit enough time for improvement of the Jacksonville harbour to a post-panamax depth, accommodating passage of the larger container vessels Hanjin and its partners will utilise.

“After cooperating on a diligent review of our plans, we have came to the conclusion that it is in our mutual best interest to adjust the start date of this project,” said Jaxport board chairman Dave Kulik.

“It is anticipated that the process of constructing the Hanjin-Jacksonville terminal will begin 18 to 24 months from now, allowing for the completion of the expected deepening of the St Johns River and the opening of the new Hanjin Terminal to coincide.”

"We have been in communication with Hanjin leadership in New Jersey and Korea to coordinate efforts to work through this delay,” said Jaxport executive vice-president Roy Schleicher.

“During this dialogue, Hanjin has continually stressed its commitment to Jacksonville. That commitment has not changed. I have worked closely with Hanjin through the years and they tell me they intend to push this project forward.
(Source:www.cargonewsasia.com)