Maersk Line announcement:
We promise to keep you informed on a frequent basis about how Hurricane Florence is affecting your supply chain on the US East Coast. Ports along the US East Coast are working but taking measures to prepare for the storm’s arrival in the next 48 hours. Looking at the storm track, you may see a number of ports close at the same time.
Our operational team is in constant touch with the US Coast Guard and leaders from the port, rail and trucking industry to ensure the latest updates.
The National Hurricane Center expects a storm surge along the coastlines of South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia, with potential water swells as far north as Maryland. Freshwater flooding is expected due to heavy rainfall. Damaging hurricane force winds are likely along coastal areas and could spread inland into the Carolinas and Virginia, and potentially Northern Georgia.
You can view all of the latest details regarding Hurricane Florence on the National Hurricane Center website: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/#Florence
Port Operations
In the last 24 hours, the forecast for Southeastern Virginia has improved significantly. Heavy rain and tropical storm force winds are possible, focused on Friday, September 14 – Saturday, September 15. The forecast for the next 24-36 hours – through Thursday night, September 13 – offers manageable conditions for cargo operations. Per the U.S. Coast Guard, the main shipping channel remains closed at the Virginia Capes. No vessels are currently entering/exiting the port.
In the interest of customer service and cargo accessibility, The Port of Virginia announces the following:
Thursday morning, September 13
- TRUCK GATES RE-OPEN at all six Port of Virginia cargo terminals – observe normal/posted operating hours
- No TRS reservations required – open hours at all terminals
- No empty reefer movement in or out of NIT
- PPCY/RSA remain CLOSED – all empties routed to the marine terminals
- Please consult the matrix
- PCY chassis yard – OPEN
Friday, September 14
- Operating status to be determined and announced by midday on Thursday, September 13
- NC Ports’ terminals in Wilmington and Morehead City are CLOSED to commercial truck traffic, however, tenants have access to both Ports but must complete any storm preparations by 17:00.
- Access will only be granted through Wilmington’s South Gate (Container Gate).
- No access of any kind will be permitted at either Port facility as of 12:00 am Thursday, September 13 through Saturday, September 15.
- Once Hurricane Florence passes, and the Port facilities can be evaluated, they will communicate plans concerning re-opening.
Charleston
South Carolina Ports Authority continues to closely monitor Hurricane Florence. Based on the conditions currently anticipated, following are the gate and vessel operations plans for all terminals. Updates are provided at www.scspa.com, sign up for advisories at www.scspa.com/advisories/ or social media @scports.
- Wed Sept 12: Normal Gate operations until 1700.
- Thurs Sept 13 – Sat Sept 15: Port closed and Vessel operations ceased
- Sun Sept 16: Potential gate and vessel operations possible depending on storm track and conditions
- Mon Sept 17: Normal operations expected
Savannah
Port is open but will continue to track storm
Baltimore
Gates are OPEN today Sept 12, and potentially open Thurs Sept 13. The vessel channel will remain closed due to channel swells, but the gates still remain open.
Rail Updates:
CSX Transportation (CSXT)
CSX is enacting comprehensive storm preparations as Hurricane Florence approaches the U.S. mainland. Precautions are being taken to protect rail traffic and assets in advance of this storm. Post-storm recovery planning, including holding trains at intermediate points across the network, is actively underway for rapid restoration of service and infrastructure once the weather moderates and conditions begin to improve.
- The CSXT-served Portsmouth, VA terminal closed Tuesday, September 11, at 1700 and will remain closed through the storm.
- The CSXT-served Charleston, SC rail terminal will close Wednesday, September 12, at 1700 and remain closed through the storm.
- Final train arrivals and departures to/from Charleston will be aligned to the terminal closure and subject to change as more information becomes available.
- Closing rail ramp gates to Savannah as of Sept 12 1900
- At this time, all other CSX Intermodal Terminals are maintaining normal gate hours, subject to change as more information becomes available. Customers should expect an interruption in train service for traffic in the mid-Atlantic / I-95 corridor as the storm approaches and continuing as the storm moves through the region.
- As of Sept 10, there is an inland embargo – stop acceptance of cargo at all inland points feeding into Norfolk, and the rail is closed in Charleston as of Tues Sept 11 17:00.
Trucking Update:
Truck power after 12:00 EST today Sept 12, will be limited to non-existant due to road closures and limited staff at warehouses, ramps, etc. This covers Coastal Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and likely Georgia. Should Maryland be affected we will be updating with more information to come.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to your local Maersk Line customer service or sales representative.
