Friday, August 8, 2014

Jacksonville Port Authority implements PORTS environmental observation tool

The Jacksonville Port Authority and Jacksonville Marine Transportation Exchange partnered with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in July to dedicate the latest Physical Oceanographic Real-Time System (PORTS), an environmental observation tool that increases safety for ships navigating the St. Johns River, according to NOAA.

PORTS delivers real-time information on water levels, currents, meteorological conditions, and under-bridge clearance, critical information for pilots traversing the river, the statement said. NOAA says the St. Johns River in Jacksonville is now home to the second largest PORTS ever established and the 23rd location to implement the system.

"The real time information provided by PORTS is invaluable to balancing JAXPORT's dual priorities of enabling safe and efficient commerce while protecting the natural resources so critical to our quality of life in northeast Florida," said Brian Taylor, CEO of the Jacksonville Port Authority. "We know this system makes us a more competitive port and will help us fulfill our mission of contributing to the region's overall vibrancy."

NOAA said that PORTS, tailored to the individual requirements of each port, is a decision support tool that improves the safety and efficiency of maritime commerce and enhances coastal resilience and natural resource management through the integration of real-time environmental observations, forecasts and other geospatial information.

"Our nation's ports are critical cogs in our country's economic engine," said Kathryn D. Sullivan, Ph.D., under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator. "NOAA's PORTS system gives shipping companies, captains, fishermen and others vital environmental intelligence that helps them navigate these waters more safely and efficiently. This is a win-win for the port, our partners, the surrounding communities and every business and industry that depends upon this flow of goods."

The Port of Jacksonville is the number one vehicle export port in the country, according to NOAA, and the busiest container port in Florida.



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