“We very much appreciate the close-knit relationship the US Army Corps of Engineers has with both the US Coast Guard and the NOAA,” said Col. Brandon Bowman, Jacksonville District Commander, US Army Corps of Engineers. “This enables our federal agencies to quickly respond, survey and reopen vital federal channels for navigation to aid in delivering supplies and minimize impact to the shipping industry.”
Hurricane Milton made landfall as a Category 3 storm at approximately 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 9, near Siesta Key, just south of Sarasota, Florida. In the aftermath of the storm, the US Coast Guard prioritized surveying SeaPort Manatee, to ensure safe passage for cargo ships carrying fuel to the region.
“Reopening the ports is critical,” said Dr. Nicolas Alvarado, NOAA Navigation Manager for Florida, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. “The faster we can get the necessary information to our partners so the port can be reopened, the better. The navigation response teams are heroes—they work around-the-clock to get the surveying done.”
When hurricanes make landfall, they often bring stronger-than-normal ocean currents that can shift navigational channels and bring debris that can threaten the ability of vessels to navigate safely along the coast and into ports. NOAA’s navigation response teams use multibeam and sidescan sonar to detect any dangers in the water and speed the reopening of ports and waterways.
Coast Survey strategically places navigation teams around the country. While 80% of their time is spent acquiring data for routine nautical chart updates, they also maintain a state of readiness for rapid response mobilization after emergencies.
Image. Navigation response team Gulfport in the foreground when oil/chemical tanker Golden State enters Tampa Bay’s shipping channels in the wake of Hurricane Milton Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. Thanks to NOAA’s hydrographic expertise, the channel was surveyed to update navigational charts and to ensure safe navigation in the hurricane’s wake. (Image credit: Nicolas Alvarado, NOAA National Ocean Service)
According to the American Association of Port Authorities “2024 Port and Maritime Industry Economic Impact Report”, US ports’ contribution to the US Gross Domestic Product totals almost $311 billion. Port Tampa Bay receives approximately 33 million tons of cargo a year, while more than 11 million tons of cargo move through SeaPort Manatee annually. Delays in shipping, even minor ones, can cost the economy millions each year.
