U.S.: Southeast ports begin to reopen following hurricane

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U.S.: Southeast ports begin to reopen following hurricane

A few of Florida's seaports have reopened following the destructive Hurricane Irma, with Georgia ports set to reopen on Wednesday morning.

In an update on Tuesday afternoon, the Florida Ports Council said PortMiami, Port of Pensacola and Port Everglades were already open, but restrictions may apply.

"More ports are expected to open later today and tomorrow, including Port Tampa Bay," it said.

"Note the status of ports statewide is continually evolving; however, landside operations are open at many ports and fuel is on its way to gas stations."

It also thanked Governor Scott’s leadership during Hurricane Irma and the  efforts of port workers and administration, the U.S. Coast Guard, Florida Highway Patrol, and many others.

"The partnership and cooperation of all parties resulted in the unprecedented speed of port openings and fuel distribution. Our thoughts are with all Floridians and businesses as they recover from Hurricane Irma," it said.

Meanwhile, the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) yesterday said that truck gates at the ports of Savannah and Brunswick were due to resume operation on Wednesday morning.

GPA executive director Griff Lynch said the Savannah River had crested below the docks at the Garden City Terminal on Monday afternoon, and there was no water damage as a result of the storm.

"In addition, hurricane straps installed on our empty containers and ship-to-shore cranes prevented any cargo, crane or other infrastructure damage," he said.

"Assessment of our other facilities including Brunswick are currently under way."

GPA's workforce returned on Tuesday morning to prepare the terminal for cargo operations.

Lynch said the port authority would be working with its many logistics partners to determine re-opening of the port and river channel. 

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