Ports across the US state of Florida are limiting vessel traffic ahead of the approach of Hurricane Matthew, according to a notice from the ports authority. Meanwhile, the Port of Charleston in South Carolina is still allowing vessel traffic, but some ships are diverting away.
Hurricane Matthew, which has been downgraded slightly to a category-three storm is now approaching the southern end of the Bahamas. It is expected to reach the central Florida coast by Friday.
The Jacksonville Port Authority, which runs the Ports of Canaveral, Jacksonville, and Fernadina, said no vessel over 500 gross tons will be allowed to enter the port without US Coast Guard (USCG) permission.
The USCG issued a warning that Matthew will bring gale force winds to the region.
The South Carolina Ports Authority said it limiting onshore movements in and out of the terminals over the next two days due to the potential path of Matthew. But Charleston Harbour, the waterway into the port, remains open, said spokesperson Erin Dhand.
The USCG has the authority to close the waterway, Dhand says, while individual liner operators can also decide if to divert. Maersk and MSC are the port’s two major container lines, Dhand says.
Cruise ships continue to be diverted from the potential path of Matthew. The 2,052-berth Carnival Ecstasy (built 1991) was diverted away from a Charleston port call. The Hapag-Lloyd Cruises-owned 516-berth Europa 2 (built 2013) also remains at sea after also being diverted.
