Port Tampa Bay will resume vessel operations and the port’s shipping channels are officially re-opened, with some restrictions set by the U.S. coast guard.
As tropical storm Debby moved through their area, Port Tampa Bay coordinated with federal, state, and local agencies, as well as the maritime community, to respond to the impacts of the system.
“We want to express our sincere appreciation to those who helped our port prepare and recover from the impact of the storm,” the port said in a statement.
As it is reported, during the storm, the port’s non-vessel landside operations remained open to ensure the smooth and steady delivery of fuel to residents and visitors of the state.
The port supplies nearly half of Florida’s gas, fuel, and petroleum supply and plays a critical role in Hurricane preparation and recovery.
In coordination with the port heavy weather advisory group, and following detailed assessments of the port, waterways, and channels, the U.S. coast guard has reopened the port and set the port condition to normal (port condition IV), with few exceptions.
The port staff fully assessed the docks, wharfs, and terminals for safety. Commercial vessel traffic is again being queued for a return to full operations at the port.
Some of the first vessels to return will be fuel tankers and two cruise ships.
The closure of its waterways during the storm did result in a delay to the sailing schedule of two cruise ships, as the port explains in its statement.
The Margaritaville at Sea’s Islander was originally scheduled to return to Port Tampa Bay on Sunday, August 4 and will now return on Tuesday, August 6.
Additionally, the Islander’s August 4 departure was rescheduled to August 6.
Additionally, Carnival Cruise Line’s Paradise has been impacted. The Paradise was originally scheduled to return to Port Tampa Bay on Monday, August 5, and will now return on Tuesday, August 6.
Further, the Paradise’s August 5 departure was rescheduled to August 6.
The port advises those cruising from Port Tampa Bay to contact the cruise line they are sailing with, should they have questions or concerns about their cruise itinerary.
“Any changes to your cruise itinerary, including vessel weather avoidance plans and any port call changes, will be communicated by the cruise line directly,” explains the port.
