Galveston, Texas (Sept. 7, 2017) – Despite some confusion in media reports, the Port of Galveston is open for business. The port has been fully operational since reopening Sept. 1 when the United States Coast Guard (USCG) lifted all traffic restrictions through the Galveston ship channel. 

On that date, the port welcomed home the Carnival Freedom, Carnival Valor and Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas. The Carnival Breeze arrived the next day and cruising from the island resumed normal operations.  

All future cruises from the Port of Galveston are on schedule. For updates, visit www.portofgalveston.com.

HURRICANE HARVEY BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Port of Galveston Closed Friday, Aug. 25, 2017 

At noon on Aug. 25, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) Captain of the Port closed the Galveston ship channel to all inbound and outbound vessels. In addition, Port Administration offices closed and the Port Incident Command Center was set up and staffed in Cruise Terminal 1 in order to prepare for Hurricane Harvey. 

Galveston-bound Cruise Ships Rerouted to New Orleans, Miami 

The Port of Galveston remained in close contact with the cruise lines, USCG, and the Galveston-Texas City (marine) Pilots during Hurricane Harvey to insure that once the storm had passed and a post-storm assessment of the port was completed, there would be a safe arrival of all four cruise ships.  Three Carnival Cruise Line ships were rerouted to the Port of New Orleans where they were able to refuel, replenish food and entertainment needs, and allowed passengers to disembark is desired. Royal Caribbean International’s ship was rerouted to Miami were they replenished the ship with food and supplies.  The cruise line also offered to transport passengers wanting to get to Galveston. 

Port of Galveston Reopens to Limited Vessel Traffic Aug. 30, 2017 

On Aug. 30, the USCG issued a marine safety information bulletin 12-17 Hurricane Harvey Port Condition Recovery shipping activity that limited vessel traffic to daylight hours and only to vessels with less than 37ft draft.

Port of Galveston Returns to Full Operations Sept. 1, 2017 

On Sept. 1, all USCG restrictions were lifted thus allowing for the entry of the cruise ships. In addition, Port Administration offices opened and port staff was prepared to receive all cruises. On that day, the Port of Galveston welcomed home Carnival Freedom, Carnival Valor and Liberty of the Seas and the following day, Carnival Breeze arrived in port. 

About the Port of Galveston

The Port of Galveston is the region’s gateway to the Gulf for cruise ships and international trade. Located at the entrance to Galveston Bay, the Port leases and maintains facilities on both Galveston Island and Pelican Island. The Galveston Island operations are a diversified mix of cargo including roll on-roll-off cargo, dry bulk, export grain, refrigerated fruit, general cargo, and project cargo. In addition, the Port handles over 1.7 million cruise passengers annually. The Port’s Pelican Island facilities comprise a combination of undeveloped property, an active ship and rig repair facility, and liquid bulk operations. The Port is a self-supporting enterprise utility with operating revenues of approximately $34 million. It does not rely on tax dollars for operations.

###