Transfennica Returns to Jacksonville

Transfennica's combination "Trafexpress" container/roll-on, roll-off vessel Timca called the Port of Jacksonville this week and discharged about 6,000 tons of breakbulk Scandinavian paper and related products, thanks to a new wharf built at Talleyrand Terminal by Transfennica's parent company Spliethoff for about $1 million.

The economic downturn was already taking a bite out of forest products imports at the Port of Jacksonville when early this year Transfennica switched a call to Baltimore so that the carrier could use its stern-ramp vessel Timca. Between the lost call and the bad economy about 250,000 tons went away. The port hopes to recover the "lion's share," however, port spokeswoman Nancy Rubin wrote in an email.

After discharging paper, the Timca loaded ro-ro cargo bound for Russia. "The new ramp allows Jacksonville opportunities to connect with Finland; St. Petersburg and Moscow, Russia; Poland; Germany and Belgium," Rubin said.

In addition to Transfennica, Gearbulk also brings forest products in to Jaxport for Aracruz. SSA stevedores for Arracruz at Jaxport's Blount Marine Island; ISC/Global stevedores at Talleyrand Terminal.

The port operates on an October-September fiscal year. From October 2009 through March 2009 it handled 106,560 tons of paper and pulp. During fiscal year 2008, which ended September 2008, it handled 668,791 tons. During fiscal 2007, the port saw 789,503 tons.

Funding for dredging needs

In other news, Tim Murphy, senior director of engineering and construction, said at a recent meeting of the Jacksonville Port Authority that he was "pleased to report" that the port will receive $1.385 million more than it asked for in federal stimulus funds, according to the Jacksonville-based Financial News and Daily Record.

The port had requested $14.8 for a river deepening project that will take the channel from 38 to 40 feet. In addition to that money, it will receive an extra $1.235 million for a study of that project and an extra $150,000 for a second study of a section of the St. Johns River that presents unusual navigation difficulties.

Reprinted from BreakBulk.com
Contact Janet Nodar at jcnodar@bellsouth.net .