Crowley tanker Magnolia State on its approach to Tampa, Fla. with petroleum products after Hurricane Milton struck last week.
Even as Hurricane Milton barreled towards the west coast of Florida last week, Jones Act carriers were readying to support and supply the state with much-needed petroleum products.
In the aftermath, carriers like American Maritime Officers-contracted company Crowley Maritime have supplied millions of gallons of gasoline to replenish storm ravaged areas and to prevent disruption of fuel service to the entire state.
Crowley Maritime plans to bring in around 85.3 million gallons of gas and 28.4 million gallons of diesel to Florida, a spokesperson said. Among the vessels activated to be the initial surge into the Port of Tampa included AMO-crewed tankers Magnolia State, Pelican State and Golden State.
“At least 18 large domestic vessels are scheduled to arrive in the coming days. One American maritime operator alone has the capacity to deliver more than 100 million gallons of gasoline starting before the end of the week depending on access to the ports,” said Jennifer Carpenter, President of the American Maritime Partnership.
The Jones Act plays a key role in enabling reliable deliveries during crises like tropical storms and hurricanes. The century-old cabotage law, 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. The vital maritime law paves the way for such rapid response as many dedicated deliveries are already on standby instead of waiting on foreign ships to gear up and respond.
The seven private fuel terminals at the Port of Tampa had been closed for several days after Hurricane Milton left heavy wind and rain damage in its wake, knocking out power to the key seaport. Around 40 percent of the state’s fuel comes in through Tampa.
With many residents heeding the evacuation advice of government officials before the storm, most local gas stations were empty. But no sooner had the port reopened, Jones Act vessels were waiting, ready to begin the refueling process.