WASHINGTON – As emergency response operators and stakeholders from both the public and private sectors prepare for and respond to Hurricane Milton and its possible impact, members of the media are encouraged to contact maritime industry representatives at the American Maritime Partnership (AMP) for any available information regarding vessel movements, cargoes and breaking news. AMP is working closely with the Florida Maritime Partnership to share available information in real-time with local and state officials, as well as federal policymakers and other stakeholders to ensure that reliable and consistent delivery of goods is maintained for impacted Floridians and the nation.
Note: Availability of experts and information is subject to the severity and impact of the storm.
BACKGROUND ON HURRICANE RESPONSE & PREPAREDNESS
When a hurricane strikes, the American Maritime industry:
- Works closely with government officials to prepare for and respond.
- Pre-positions critical supply vessels offshore to better respond strategically based on where the storm might hit, and which communities might need immediate assistance.
- Coordinates delivery of essential cargo needed in the immediate aftermath of a storm and works with relief organizations to ensure essential relief materials (e.g., batteries, fuel, water, and first aid materials) are delivered as efficiently and quickly as possible.
- Designates safe areas for equipment to ride out the storm.
- Coordinates assistance with members of the U.S. military and merchant marine fleet.
- Prepares maritime facilities and equipment to minimize potential storm damage.
- Provides up-to-date information to members of the media, public and potentially affected communities.
Following recent devastating storms, the American Maritime industry responded and provided immediate relief and operational support. Examples of previous relief efforts include:
- Pre-positioned vessels. The American Maritime industry, as waterway first responders, immediately moved cargoes through ports once reopened following recent hurricanes. In 2022, American Maritime answered the call to support hurricane-affected regions of Puerto Rico (Hurricane Fiona) and Florida (Hurricane Ian). For Hurricane Ian, 25 U.S.-flagged vessels carrying millions of gallons of fuel arrived within days. In 2018, when Hurricane Lane hit Hawaii and closed all commercial ports, the U.S. Coast Guard allowed American carriers to enter Honolulu Harbor for a brief discharge period to expedite the availability and delivery of critical goods once the storm had passed. After this discharge period, the ships relocated safely offshore to wait out the storm
- Coordinated with government and emergency response agencies. During Hurricane Fiona in Puerto Rico, domestic maritime companies partnered with government agencies on the Island to help manage “final- mile” delivery. Similarly, when Hawaii was struck by Hurricane Lane, American maritime carriers coordinated efforts with the governor’s office, the U.S. Coast Guard, Hawaii Department of Transportation, and the maritime community with the support of the Hawaii Harbor User Group – an organization that meets routinely for disaster preparedness purposes.
- Immediately delivered relief cargo. In the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Maria in 2017, American vessels delivered hundreds of thousands of containers of government and commercial cargo, including infrastructure materials essential for rebuilding and repairing damaged bridges and roads to the Island. In 2022, American ships carrying critical commodities for Puerto Rico served as a lifeline for the Island before and after Hurricane Fiona.
- Added additional capacity. In cases of emergency, American Maritime carriers across the nation answer the call and add needed capacity by rerouting vessels to serve impacted markets. During Hurricane Maria, carriers acquired additional custom-built 53-foot containers (which increased load capacity by more than 40% as compared to standard containers). These containers are rarely used by the international fleet but are a hallmark of the Jacksonville–San Juan trade as part of the American maritime supply chain.
- Deployed specialized equipment for cargo deliveries. During Hurricane Maria, American Maritime carriers rapidly deployed vessels to handle specialized cargoes, such as utility trucks, tanker trucks, large generators, and communication equipment, which are all needed for the rebuilding process.
- Provided housing and support to first responders. Immediately after Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico, three American vessels were used as floating hotels to provide temporary housing and meals for 729 first responders.
- Supported the community and relief organizations. American Maritime carriers distributed food, water, ice, and other vital relief supplies. Hurricane Fiona shocked the grid in Puerto Rico, causing refrigeration systems to go down, leading the maritime industry to partner with the nonprofit organization Para la Naturaleza to donate 2,000 bags of ice to residents of Playa de Ponce. The maritime industry was able to secure supplies to more than 19,500 individuals throughout Puerto Rico immediately following Hurricane Maria. Members of the industry also partnered with Operation Agua to deliver water filters to schools on the island.
Editor’s Note: Members of the media interested in available updates regarding hurricane preparedness operations for Hurricane Milton, as well as subsequent hurricanes, should contact media@americanmaritimepartnership.com for more details.
# # #
American Maritime Partnership (AMP) is the voice of the U.S. domestic maritime industry, a pillar of our nation‘s economic, national, and homeland security. More than 40,000 American vessels built in American shipyards, crewed by American mariners, and owned by American companies operate in our waters 24-hours a day, seven days a week, and this commerce sustains nearly 650,000 American jobs, $41.6 billion in labor compensation, and more than $154.8 billion in annual economic output. You can learn more by visiting www.americanmaritimepartnership.com
Comments are closed.