JEA has begun helicopter operations to support the next phase of the Jacksonville Air Draft Improvement Project, which will increase clearance for larger vessels calling JAXPORT’s Blount Island Marine Terminal. The project will raise the electric transmission lines crossing the St. Johns River at Fulton Cut from 185 feet to 225 feet. This will provide 205 feet of operational clearance, allowing larger ships to safely navigate the river’s 47-foot-deepchannel. Helicopters and specialist lineworkers have started installing new wiring between Blount Island and Reed Island. Over the coming months, contractors will use helicopters, ropes and pulleys to install the new conductors across the river. The transmission line work remains on schedule for completion by the end of 2026. According to JAXPORT, the project will support the continued growth of international container trade in Jacksonville, which supports around 15,000 jobs across the region. The upgraded infrastructure will also strengthen JEA’s electricity grid and improve network reliability. “By increasing the air draft at Florida’s largest container port, we’re enhancing our ability to serve larger vessels, strengthen supply chains and support thousands of jobs connected to international container trade,” said Eric Green, CEO of JAXPORT. The post Jacksonville advances air draft project for larger container ships appeared first on Container News .