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.
###