Great Lakes East (GLE), a breakbulk cargo carrier and subsidiary of Great Lakes Towing Company, has shifted its Florida operations to Port Canaveral, launching a monthly Jones Act-compliant barge service between Central Florida and San Juan, Puerto Rico, the company announced in a statement.
The operation utilizes the Crimson Clover, a 5,800-ton covered roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) warehouse barge operating out of North Cargo Berth 6. The vessel is outfitted with two side ramps for ro-ro cargo and will handle a range of goods, including forest products, lumber, steel, and heavy equipment, the company said.
The port’s terminal operator, GT USA, will serve as stevedore and oversee cargo operations at the berth.
“GLE recognized Port Canaveral’s multi-purpose berths, commitment to service and easy access to Atlantic shipping lanes to provide their customers with strategic advantages for enhanced efficiency and improved supply chain performance,” said Port CEO Capt. John Murray.
According to GLE, the shift to Port Canaveral will reduce transit times and improve departure reliability, supported by the deployment of a more powerful tug. The company said it has also integrated new scanning technology into its operation to improve cargo handling speed and accuracy.
GLE said the move supports the company’s goal of capturing more specialized breakbulk business along the East Coast by providing consistent Jones Act barge service for project cargo and oversized loads heading to and from Puerto Rico.
