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Cargo Operations: Jacksonville, Tampa

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Next Generation U.S. Navy Patrol Boats Move through JAXPORT’s Dedicated Heavy Lift Dock

Master riggers at JAXPORT tenant Portus recently moved the first shipment of Mk VI Patrol Boats purchased by the U.S. Navy through the heavy-lift and specialty cargo berth at the port authority’s Blount Island Marine Terminal.

The patrol boats, each 85 feet long and weighing approximately 70 tons, arrived at JAXPORT from the U.S. West Coast via the Panama Canal aboard a Stevens Transportation vessel. They were individually hoisted from the vessel and lowered in to the St. Johns River. The boats then sailed downriver to Naval Station Mayport before being sent on to Virginia.

The Mk VI boats were designed for optimal performance, fuel economy and firepower. Powered by twin diesel engines and water jets, each is specially designed to reduce total operating cost, minimize manpower, and improve reliability and maintainability. 

The heavy-lift cargo berth at Blount Island Marine Terminal offers up to 1,800 pounds per square foot of load capacity with rail capability up to 78 kips per axle for heavy cargo.


Lifting new Navy patrol boat at JAXPORT’S Blount Island Marine Terminal.
Photo/JAXPORT


Port Tampa Bay Signs Lease with Gulf Coast Bulk Equipment to Handle Sulfur Product

Port Tampa Bay has signed a six-year lease with Gulf Coast Bulk Equipment, Inc. (GCBE), to handle prilled sulfur imports on a five-acre parcel of land at its Port Redwing complex in southern Hillsborough County.

Headquartered in Palmetto (FL), GCBE is a stevedore and terminal operator that also owns and leases equipment to shipping companies, as well as other stevedores and terminal operators. Its current customer base handles fertilizers, salt, aggregates, limestone, sugar and various others bulk cargos.

"We at Gulf Coast Bulk Equipment are enthusiastic about kicking off our activity at Port Redwing and to grow our relationship with Port Tampa Bay. Our site is the perfect location to handle unique products, such as prilled sulfur and will enable us to best serve our customers," said GCBE President Richard Tager.

Port Redwing was purchased by the port authority in 2012 for $8.9 (Advisory, July 30, 2012). The 110-acre property has been developed to accommodate for bulk and break bulk cargo, with new berths, paved roadways, fencing and lighting. The port authority regards it as a prime site for development of maritime-industrial and manufacturing activities.

"We are very excited to expand maritime cargo activity at Port Redwing, and this new partnership with Gulf Coast Bulk Equipment sends the message that Port Tampa Bay has the available land, transportation connectivity and capacity for diversification that our customers desire," said Port Tampa Bay CEO Paul Anderson. "We look forward to working with Gulf Coast Bulk Equipment for many years to come."
 

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