Vol. 114 - No. 100 - May 26, 2010

Jaxport Widens Cruise Terminal Site Search to Both West and East of Dames Point Bridge

The Jacksonville Port Authority's search for cruise terminal sites is considering sites west and east of the Dames Point bridge.

A site west of the bridge would continue to limit the size of cruise ships that can call on Jacksonville. The cruise terminal currently is located just west of the bridge and Carnival's Fascination ship has scant room to spare when it passes under the span on the vessel's way to and from the ocean.

Rick Ferrin, chief executive officer of the port authority, said today in a briefing to JaxPort's board that vetting of sites could be complete in time for the board's June meeting

JaxPort still views Mayport as a viable location for a cruise terminal. The port authority has purchased land on the Mayport waterfront, which is east of the bridge and would enable Jacksonville to seek larger cruise vessels in the future.

Though JaxPort already owns land in Mayport, it is a relatively small tract and the port authority would have to build a parking garage for passengers.

The current site west of the bridge has a large surface lot. That site will eventually have to make way for construction of a new cargo terminal for Hanjin.

Ferrin said an important factor in the decision on cruises will be making sure JaxPort can maintain the ability to pay for other needed projects on the cargo side of its operations.

He said he plans to meet with Carnival executives as part of the staff's research.