FLORIDA legislators have awarded JAXPORT, Port of Jacksonville, with a US$23 million cheque for crane enhancements, reports London's Port Technology International.

Funds will be used to acquire a new container crane for the Talleyrand Marine Terminal from Germany's Liebherr Crane Company as well as to upgrade current cranes at the port's terminals.

The funds were authorised by the Florida Legislature during the last legislative session and approved by Governor Ron DeSantis.

The crane extension and modifications will improve JAXPORT's cargo handling efficiency, allowing more goods to pass through the port.

Increasing cargo volumes helps JAXPORT create jobs and provide supply chain security for the area and state.

Said Florida House Speaker Paul Renner: "I am proud to present JAXPORT with another substantial investment to update and modernise its system of container cranes.

"As the largest container port in the state, continued investments in container cranes are important to keep Florida's ports competitive as a global gateway. This $23 million will secure a new container crane and make critical updates to existing ones."

Said Senate President Kathleen Passidomo: "Improving the container capacity and other capabilities of JAXPORT supports Florida's overall economy, as Jacksonville is in a strategic location to facilitate commerce opportunities throughout Florida, the Southeast, and the Eastern Seaboard.

"This funding, advocated for in the Senate by Senator Yarborough, will certainly be money well spent with results felt in the local economy and throughout Florida," she said.

Over the previous two years, the Florida legislature has given JAXPORT a total of $53 million to fund its multi-year programme to repair and maintain its crane fleet.