Jacksonville Harbor is one of Florida’s most important maritime hubs, providing access for large, deep-draft vessels to vital terminal facilities within the city. As one of the busiest ports in the U.S., it plays a central role in facilitating trade, driving the local economy, and connecting the region to international markets. To maintain the harbor’s functionality and ensure continued access for these massive vessels, annual maintenance is required. This includes dredging, a process crucial for ensuring safe navigation and the efficient flow of goods.
In mid-March 2025, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will begin dredging work along Jacksonville Harbor’s Federal Navigation Channel, a process scheduled to be completed by September 2025, weather permitting. This year’s dredging will focus on removing critical shoaling along the channel, which can interfere with safe vessel passage.
Overview of Jacksonville Harbor
Jacksonville Harbor’s strategic location in Florida makes it a pivotal point in both national and international shipping routes. As a deep-water port, it serves large vessels that transport cargo to and from the U.S. East Coast, playing an essential role in global trade.
The harbor consists of a series of channels that extend from the ocean entrance to key terminals such as Dames Point Terminals and Talleyrand Marine Terminal, vital facilities that support both import and export activities. These deep-draft vessels depend on the harbor’s infrastructure to facilitate the movement of goods, including bulk cargo, containers, and other high-demand commodities.
The Jacksonville Port Authority (JPA), in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, coordinates the upkeep and development of the harbor. Together, they ensure the harbor remains open and operational, providing a competitive edge for Jacksonville in the increasingly globalized shipping industry.
The Dredging Project
The dredging project, set to begin in mid-March 2025, aims to remove critical shoaling along the Federal Navigation Channel. Shoaling occurs when sediment accumulates in the waterway, causing the channel to shallow, which can pose significant risks to large vessels navigating the area. Removing these shoals will improve vessel safety, enhance navigation efficiency, and help maintain the channel’s depth to accommodate the increasing size of modern ships.
The dredging work will cover several sections of the channel, ensuring that vessels can access the harbor with ease. The project will focus on maintaining the following depths:
- 47 feet Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW) from the ocean entrance to Dames Point Terminals (River Mile 13).
- 40 feet MLLW through River Mile 20 at Talleyrand Marine Terminal.
- 34 feet MLLW in Cuts F/G of the West Blount Island Channel.
By maintaining these authorized depths, Jacksonville Harbor will continue to support large vessels that are critical to the economic vitality of the region.
Details of the Contract
The dredging contract, valued at $25 million, was awarded to Cashman Dredging & Marine Contracting Co., LLC in December 2024. Cashman Dredging is a recognized leader in the dredging and marine construction industry, known for its expertise in maintaining navigational channels across the U.S. and abroad.
This contract entails the removal of sediment and shoaling from the specified areas of the harbor’s Federal Navigation Channel. The process involves the use of specialized dredging equipment designed to excavate and transport the sediment while ensuring minimal disruption to the surrounding environment. Regular maintenance like this helps keep the harbor safe and accessible year-round.
Economic and Environmental Impacts
Economic Benefits:
The dredging of Jacksonville Harbor has far-reaching economic benefits for both the city and the broader region. By ensuring the harbor remains deep enough to accommodate larger vessels, the port can continue handling substantial volumes of cargo, keeping it competitive in the international shipping industry. This increased capacity can lead to higher trade volumes, job creation, and growth in industries reliant on the harbor’s operations, such as logistics, warehousing, and manufacturing.
The maintenance of the harbor also supports Jacksonville’s position as a significant economic hub, ensuring that it remains a vital link in global supply chains.
Environmental Considerations:
While the dredging project is essential for the continued success of the port, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Cashman Dredging are committed to minimizing its environmental impact. Before beginning work, environmental assessments are conducted to ensure that the dredging process doesn’t cause significant harm to local ecosystems.
Mitigation measures are in place to manage sediment displacement and protect aquatic life in the area. This careful consideration of environmental factors ensures that the harbor can remain operational without jeopardizing the local environment.
Collaboration and Stakeholder Involvement
The Jacksonville Port Authority plays a vital role in managing the harbor’s operations, and its collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ensures that dredging and other maintenance activities are carried out smoothly. The partnership between these entities is key to addressing the ongoing challenges of keeping the harbor in optimal condition.
Other stakeholders, including local businesses, environmental groups, and government agencies, are also involved in the broader planning and management of dredging projects. Their input helps balance the needs of port development with environmental stewardship and community well-being.
Looking Ahead: Future Projects and Developments
The ongoing dredging work is part of a broader vision for Jacksonville Harbor’s long-term development. Future dredging projects and infrastructure improvements are expected to ensure the harbor continues to evolve, meeting the needs of the modern shipping industry. As trade volumes increase and shipping vessels grow larger, regular maintenance will remain a priority to keep Jacksonville Harbor one of the most accessible and competitive ports in the United States.
Conclusion
The upcoming dredging work in Jacksonville Harbor is an essential part of the port’s annual maintenance, ensuring it remains a critical economic asset for the region. The project’s focus on removing shoaling will improve navigation and accommodate larger vessels, further boosting Jacksonville’s position in the global trade network. With the combined efforts of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Jacksonville Port Authority, and Cashman Dredging, the harbor will continue to thrive as a vital economic engine well into the future.