As of 12 noon today, the U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) approved restricted commercial vessel transit through Port Canaveral to allow the port to support the arrival of critical fuel supplies destined for Florida consumers, and to receive cruise ships that were diverted from Port Canaveral prior to the arrival of Hurricane Irma.
Port Canaveral previously had limited operations capability due to lack of water and limited electric power. However, this update to the port's Condition Zulu confirms the port's ability to regain full operational capability over the next few days, as efforts are well underway at Port Canaveral to resume normal operations.
Port Canaveral CEO, Capt. John Murray, said, "Our ability to supply the critical fuel needs of Florida has been a priority. We have been working diligently with the Coast Guard, our port partners and tenants to ensure their businesses are in good shape to resume business operations."
"Seaport Canaveral is operating at 100 percent and is moving gasoline, diesel and jet fuel throughout the state. The steady stream of trucks that were in queue for loading fuels beginning last night, have been loading and moving out to make their deliveries," Murray said.
"Seaport Canaveral Corp. is currently supporting the needs of the State with full involvement from our customers, suppliers, haulers and drivers. Our main priority remains the safety and wellbeing of everyone including our people and their families, our surroundings and the environment," said Clement Saaltink, General Manager.
"Arriving in port this afternoon, we have a fuel tanker vessel delivering gasoline to add to Seaport Canaveral's capacity, and two more tankers are on their way here," Murray said. "Tomorrow, we will have two homeported cruise ships arriving in port for debark and embark passenger operations, and beginning Friday, will begin to board passengers for their regularly scheduled cruise itineraries."
Port Canaveral said it is continuing to assess the damage to its facilities and grounds from Hurricane Irma. Initial status reports have indicated mostly cosmetic damage and significant debris removal. The port's pre-storm preparations and mitigation efforts prior to Irma's arrival helped to reduce the risk of catastrophic damage to the port's buildings and operations. Returning the port to full operational status was hampered by the loss of power and failure of the City of Cocoa water system which supplies the port.
Cruise passengers scheduled to depart Port Canaveral are advised to check with their respective cruise lines to confirm details of their ship’s arrival and departure.
