The path to restoring regular Puerto Rico service for Water Spirit and Admiral’s Pride now depends on certified marine surveys that must show the vessels’ current loading and mooring operations do not encroach on a federally designated navigable waterway, Governor Albert Bryan Jr. said following a meeting between Government of the Virgin Islands representatives and the U.S. Coast Guard.
If the current location cannot be approved, the governor said the Government of the Virgin Islands will work with the vessel operators, the Puerto Rico Ports Authority and the U.S. Coast Guard to identify another suitable docking location.
The update comes amid concerns about cargo disruption affecting residents and businesses that rely on freight service between the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Tortola and the broader Caribbean.
According to Governor Bryan, the Coast Guard has clarified that neither Water Spirit, which operates out of the U.S. Virgin Islands, nor Admiral’s Pride, which operates between Tortola and Puerto Rico, has been banned from traveling to Puerto Rico. The issue, he said, is tied specifically to the location being used for loading and offloading operations after changes to docking arrangements in Puerto Rico.
“The important point is that these vessels are not prohibited from operating to Puerto Rico,” Governor Bryan said. “The issue at hand is strictly related to the location being used for loading and offloading operations following changes at the marina facility.”
The meeting focused on recent concerns involving mooring and loading operations in Puerto Rico after the vessels’ previous docking location was affected by ongoing development and marina expansion activities by Safe Harbor.
Information provided during the meeting indicated that after the regular docking area was relocated, the Coast Guard determined that Water Spirit was operating at the edge of the dock in a manner that may have encroached on a federally designated navigable waterway. The operator initially received a warning and was later issued a fine.
Governor Bryan said the Coast Guard advised both vessel operators that they may resume operations at the current location if they can demonstrate, through a certified marine survey, that their mooring operations do not encroach on the navigable federal waterway.
Both companies are now retaining a marine surveyor to complete the required assessments and provide documentation to the Coast Guard.
“Once the survey is completed and accepted by the Coast Guard, the vessels should be able to resume shipments and regular service to Puerto Rico,” Governor Bryan stated.
If the survey does not resolve the issue at the current location, the governor said the administration will support efforts to find another workable dock.
“There are a number of possible options available, and we remain committed to working with all parties involved to ensure continued marine transportation and commerce between the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico,” the governor added.
The development follows recent concern over the potential supply-chain impact of the Water Spirit disruption. Water Spirit has provided freight service relied upon by residents and businesses moving goods among St. Croix, St. Thomas, Tortola and San Juan. Previous reporting on the matter noted that any prolonged disruption could mean delayed shipments, postponed pickups, tighter booking space and the need for cargo customers to find alternative carriers for goods moving out of San Juan.
The Virgin Islands remains heavily dependent on imported goods, making disruptions to cargo service a concern for retailers, contractors, households and businesses that rely on timely movement of food, refrigerated items, vehicles, appliances, furniture, construction materials and other supplies.
Advertisements
