HURRICANE IVAN AFTERMATH: ALABAMA STATE PORT AUTHORITY BEGINS OPERATIONS

The Alabama State Port Authority (ASPA) began handling ship traffic and cargo at 7:00 a.m., Central Daylight Time, today, for vessels having 30 foot draft or less.  “Our main port began servicing ships first thing this morning, although we’ve been handling rail and truck traffic since Friday and barges since Saturday.” said James K. Lyons, Director & CEO.    Much of the delays associated with port operations start-up was attributed to ongoing federal agency assessments on navigational aids and the ship channels.  The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has advised port management and the Harbormaster that vessels drawing 35 ft. to 40 ft. may be allowed in port by close of business Monday, while vessels drawing 45 ft. will most likely be authorized to enter port as early as Tuesday.

The Port Authority called in maintenance crews immediately following the storm’s passing to assess damage and to ready the port for operations.  “Our main priority was to assess damages and to begin serving customer needs.  Of particular concern was providing transportation services for the utility market,” said Lyons.  The Authority’s McDuffie Bulk Terminal is a major source for utility coal serving power plants in the region. 

The Authority’s impacts included roof and door damage at the Authority’s Piers B & C and Berths 6, 7, and 8 warehouses resulting in minor damage to cargoes located inside.  Abating winds and reduced storm surge are credited for Ivan’s minimal impact on the Port of Mobile’s facilities.  “We really dodged a bullet because the storm took a sudden eastward turn early Thursday morning,” advised Smitty Thorne, Vice President of Operations. “It appears the port’s terminal areas only experienced Category 1 winds accompanied by a minimal storm surge.  Most of the cargo in port was not damaged.”

The Port Authority management and crews assessed damage throughout Thursday and Friday.  Electrical power disruptions on the main port complex continued to affect administrative functions through mid-day Monday, but the did not adversely impact the port’s handling of truck and rail cargo operations which began Saturday, as port officials waited for the USCG and the Army Corps of Engineers to complete their assessments.   McDuffie terminal was ready for operations by late Friday morning once electricity service was restored and its bulk handling equipment was surveyed. 

Alabama State Port Authority is a full service, international seaport located on the Gulf of Mexico. 

To learn more about Alabama’s deepwater port visit www.asdd.com. 
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