Yesterday, staff at the Ports of Wilmington and Morehead City, North Carolina began preparing for the storm’s impacts. The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) had issued a condition X-RAY for both ports, meaning all oceangoing commercial vessels and barges greater than 500 gross tons should make plans for departing the ports. Vessels desiring to remain in port were required to submit a mooring plan to the captains of the port (COTP) for approval.
Yesterday evening, the USCG also set port condition YANKEE for the ports of Savannah, Georgia and Charleston, South Carolina. In these cases, all vessels greater than 300 gross tons must depart the port unless the COTP has approved a request to remain in port. Terminals and facilities were required to cease all cargo operations and secure handling of equipment within 12 hours of the announcement. Bulk liquid terminals must ensure all transfer hoses and loading arms are drained, flanged and secured.