Emergency Preparedness: Jacksonville

Jacksonville: Back-Up Generator Recycled and Rebuilt by Port Authority Employees Kept Information Flowing During Hurricane Matthew

Photo/JAXPORT

A back-up power generator made of recycled crane components successfully completed its first real world exercise during Hurricane Matthew, keeping JAXPORT's main office near downtown Jacksonville connected with tenants, customers, employees and the community during the storm-caused power outages.

JAXPORT terminal personnel constructed the generator from surplus crane parts, including an engine and electrical generator. Housed in a recycled shipping container, the unit is capable of providing the port with 30,000 continuous hours of back-up power.

JAXPORT’s Talleyrand Marine Terminal Equipment Manager Dave Barber led the rebuild project. "Thanks to the hard work and commitment of our personnel, JAXPORT was well-prepared to meet the needs of our customers during the storm," Mr. Barber said.

The emergency power project is part of the port’s long-term Contingency of Operations Plan, which calls for additional permanent stand-by generators at key locations. Construction of the power generation unit included a total rebuild of a surplus crane engine, reconditioning of a 40-year-old crane generator and the installation of a new electrical control system.

The rebuilt generator allowed JAXPORT to provide continuous updates via www.jaxport.com to cargo customers, shippers and other port partners around the world during the height and immediate aftermath of Hurricane Matthew.