en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT) is enhancing the navigability of large vessels at the Blount Island Marine Terminal through the Jacksonville Air Draft Improvement Project, which has now entered its next construction phase. Local utility company JEA has initiated helicopter operations to support this effort.

The project aims to raise the height of transmission lines crossing the St. Johns River at Fulton Cut from 185 feet to 225 feet, providing a navigational clearance of 205 feet to ensure safe passage for large vessels through the 47-foot-deep channel. Currently, helicopters and specialized line workers have begun installing new lines between Blount Island and Reed Island. Over the coming months, contractors will use helicopters, ropes, and pulleys to install new conductors above the river.

The entire transmission line project is progressing as planned and is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. According to JAXPORT, this upgrade is designed to support the continued growth of Jacksonville's international container trade, which sustains approximately 15,000 local jobs. Additionally, the upgraded infrastructure will strengthen JEA's power grid and enhance network reliability.

JAXPORT CEO Eric Green stated that by increasing the air draft at Florida's largest container port, the authority enhances its ability to serve large vessels, strengthens the supply chain, and supports thousands of jobs tied to international container trade.