Helicopter ops mark next step in JAXPORT air draft improvement project

A lineman, lifted by helicopter, installs hardware to support raising the transmission lines to provide 205 feet of operational clearance for larger vessels calling JAXPORT’s Blount Island terminal. [Photo: JAXPORT]

A project that will allow larger ships to access the Port of Jacksonville, Florida’s (JAXPORT) Blount Island Terminal by increasing the air draft over the St. Johns River remains on track for completion by the end of 2026.

Helicopter operations have begun supporting the next step in municipally-owned utility JEA’s work to raise the electric transmission lines spanning the St. Johns River at Fulton Cut. JEA, in partnership with the City of Jacksonville and JAXPORT, is raising the transmission lines from their current height of 185 feet to 225 feet, providing 205 feet of operational clearance. The additional clearance is needed for larger ships to safely transit the river’s 47-foot-deep channel to and from JAXPORT’s Blount Island Marine Terminal.

This week, a helicopter, along with specialized lineworkers, assisted contractors with early work needed to install new wiring between Blount Island on the north side of the river and Reed Island on the south side.

Over the next several months, JEA will use helicopters to prepare to install conductors across the St. Johns River. Initially, ropes and pulleys are being utilized to pull the conductors/wires across the new towers.

The project supports the continued growth of international container trade in Jacksonville, which is responsible for 15,000 jobs throughout the region. The new infrastructure also allows JEA to strengthen its electric grid, making it more reliable for all JEA customers.

“As this vital project reaches a new milestone, the City of Jacksonville’s investment will create jobs, attract new businesses, and continue growing our port that is already a global leader in trade,” said Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan. “We are grateful for the partnership with JAXPORT, JEA and the State of Florida.”

“Today marks significant progress toward completing a project that will benefit Jacksonville and Florida for generations,” said JAXPORT CEO Eric Green. “By increasing the air draft at Florida’s largest container port, we’re enhancing our ability to serve larger vessels, strengthen supply chains and support thousands of jobs connected to international container trade. We’re grateful to the Florida Department of Transportation, the City of Jacksonville and JEA for partnering with JAXPORT to make this transformative investment possible.”