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Tuesday, August 31, 2010
NC Ports Prepare for Hurricane Earl
Update (2:00 pm)
Wilmington, NC --- The U.S. Coast Guard recently set Port Condition X-Ray for the Ports of Wilmington and Morehead City. Maritime hurricane Condition X-Ray is a heightened condition of readiness to indicate 48 hours prior to arrival of gale force winds and anticipated landfall associated with a hurricane.
The NC State Ports Authority is continuing preparations for the possibility of worsening conditions. The Ports remain open to commercial traffic.
12:30 pm
Wilmington, NC - The Ports of Wilmington and Morehead City remain open to commercial traffic under U.S. Coast Guard Port Condition Whiskey. Vessels continue to arrive as scheduled at both port facilities.
Yesterday, the U.S. Coast Guard set Port Condition Whiskey for the Ports of Wilmington and Morehead City in preparation for the anticipated weather impact of Hurricane Earl. Maritime hurricane Condition Whiskey is a heightened condition of readiness to indicate 72 hours prior to arrival of gale force winds and anticipated landfall associated with a hurricane.
“The NC State Ports Authority is pro-actively making preparations for Ports business and assets under our extensive severe weather preparedness plan. Our Operations and Emergency Preparedness teams receive routine briefings and communications from the U.S. Coast Guard. We are closely monitoring conditions while continuing to operate Ports business as usual,” said Jeff Miles, Chief Operating Officer, NC State Ports Authority.
Status is routinely reported to Ports personnel, contractors, tenants and stevedores. All equipment including container cranes, generators, vehicles, and communications equipment is monitored for fuel, inventory and operability. Emergency supplies are inventoried and stocked.
In addition, any potential restrictions or requirements are reviewed with vessel agents and stevedores regarding vessels in berth or scheduled to arrive and/or sail.
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Contact: Shannon Moody, Director of Communications at 910-343-6482 or shannon_moody@ncports.com
ABOUT THE NORTH CAROLINA STATE PORTS AUTHORITY:
North Carolina's Ports in Wilmington and Morehead City, plus inland terminals in Charlotte and the Piedmont Triad in Greensboro, link the State's consumers, businesses and industry to world markets, and serve as magnets to attract new business and industry while receiving no direct taxpayer subsidy. Port activities contribute statewide to 65,000 jobs and $500 million each year in state and local tax revenues.
Top trading partners are China, India, Brazil, So. Korea, Belgium, Taiwan, Mexico, Colombia, Great Britain and Venezuela.
Primary exports are phosphate, forest products, woodpulp, general merchandise, food products, wood chips and military.
Top imports are sulfur products, chemicals, grains, rubber, scrap metal, cement, metal products, machinery parts, ore, mica and schist.
INFORMATION:
Shannon Moody, Director of Communications (910) 343-6482 Email
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