The following is an article published by the American Maritime Partnership featuring Jones Act vessels manned in all licensed positions by American Maritime Officers.
Tropical Storm Ernesto hit Puerto Rico earlier this August, bringing 60-mph winds and heavy rain. Despite the impact, American Maritime carriers like Crowley and TOTE Maritime maintained the vital supply chain between the U.S. mainland and Puerto Rico, ensuring no service delays.
Crowley swiftly reopened service through careful preparation and safety measures. The company’s hurricane plan secured facilities and pre-positioned vessels, enabling a quick response. Crowley’s fleet, including two LNG-fueled container ships and the Isla Grande Terminal, part of a $500 million investment in supporting the Island’s supply chain, was ready for post-storm operations.
Crowley also supported its 300 Puerto Rican employees with safety guidance and essential supplies, enabling them to resume terminal operations as soon as conditions allowed.
The Jones Act plays a key role in enabling reliable deliveries to and from Puerto Rico during crises like tropical storms and hurricanes. The act, which mandates that goods shipped between U.S. ports be carried on vessels that are U.S.-flagged, U.S.-built and crewed by U.S. citizens, ensures that the island’s maritime connections remain robust and responsive.
Thanks to the Jones Act, Puerto Rico benefits from dedicated, resilient services that are crucial during emergencies – unlike foreign carriers, which can be days late. American maritime carriers have substantial operations on the mainland to ensure this dedicated service. In particular, Florida stands out as a maritime bridge for the Island.
David Wood, president of the Florida Maritime Partnership, highlighted the importance of American maritime companies in ensuring cargo is ready for quick delivery during storms in MarineLog. He noted that the Port of Jacksonville (JAXPORT), which handles nearly 90% of Puerto Rico’s maritime cargo, plays a vital role in this effort.
“Three ocean carriers serve the island from Jacksonville, providing competitive, dedicated service for people and businesses on Puerto Rico, especially during hurricane season,” Wood wrote. “They carry food, supplies, vehicles, and industrial equipment, ensuring the island’s needs are met.”
By the time San Juan Harbor reopened for vessels on Aug. 15, Crowley’s Isla Grande Terminal had resumed normal hours and the 2,400-TEU container ship Taíno was ready to discharge supplies as scheduled.
“This was a team effort at Crowley because we understand how important and reliable the U.S. domestic maritime industry is for the people of Puerto Rico,” said Jose Nazario, senior director of operations for Crowley Logistics in Puerto Rico. “Our hurricane planning is done in collaboration with leaders on the island, federal agencies and ports to ensure we are resilient and responsive in an emergency. The dedication of our employees is something we bring every day on the island because it’s our home, too.”
American Maritime’s preparedness and quick action in the wake of Tropical Storm Ernesto underscored the domestic industry’s critical role in providing unmatched service for Puerto Rico, particularly during hurricane season.