Port Tampa Bay has been cleared to resume all vessel operations and our port is officially re-opened. As Port Tampa Bay continues to coordinate with federal, state, and local agencies, as well as the maritime community to respond to the impacts of Hurricane Ian, we want to express our sincere appreciation to those who helped our port prepare and recover from the impact of Hurricane Ian. Our Operations, Security, Facilities staff, port community, the brave folks at the U.S. Coast Guard and our local law enforcement and emergency response agencies were critical to our ability to minimize the effects of the storm and help our port to return to operations as soon as safely possible. Our current priorities are safety of life, protection of the environment, and a full return to cargo and cruise operations.
In coordination with the Port Heavy Weather Advisory Group, and following detailed assessments of the port, waterways and channels, the Coast Guard has reopened the port and set port condition normal. The Port’s PUSH teams have fully assessed the docks, wharfs and terminals. Commercial vessel traffic is again being queued for a return to full operations at the port, meaning we are open for business.
“Few people understand the full impact a seaport has on their daily lives until a crisis hits. We are proud to help our community and region get back on its feet following Hurricane Ian and welcome back the fuel and cargo ships that are the lifeblood of our local economy. Port Tampa Bay provides a more than $17 billion economic impact, and touches some 85,000 jobs in our community. Additionally, our port serves as a major energy gateway, providing nearly half of Florida with its fuel supply. I’d like to personally thank my team at the Port, and the maritime community for their agility and coordination during the hurricane, as well as the U.S. Coast Guard and our local first responders. On behalf of the entire maritime community, we want to express our heartfelt condolences to our fellow Floridians who have been impacted by Hurricane Ian,” said Paul Anderson, Port Tampa Bay President and CEO.
As cargo operations return to normal, our cruise partner Carnival Cruise Line did experience a delay to their service. The Carnival Paradise, will return to Port Tampa Bay Cruise Terminal 3 on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, and we look forward to welcoming the ship and its passengers.