Port of Tampa Shuts Down: Will Hurricane Milton Push Biden To Sign Jones Act Waiver and Deploy Relief Ships?

As Hurricane Milton barrels toward Florida’s west coast, the maritime community braces for a devastating blow. Maritime historian Sal Mercogliano‘s latest episode of What’s Going on With Shipping? outlines the unfolding crisis, highlighting the evacuation of the Port of Tampa in anticipation of the hurricane’s arrival but also bringing up other concerns including the Jones Act, delays in activating disaster response ships, and the possible use of cruise ships to house displaced citizens.

With record breaking intensity and possible storm surges of 10 to 15 feet, vessels from cargo ships to cruise liners and large oil tankers are fleeing the port, following US Coast Guard orders to clear the harbor. The imminent threat raises concerns about Florida’s energy supply chain, port infrastructure, and the Jones Act’s relevance in disaster response.

Tampa Port’s Role and Vulnerability

Although not one of America’s largest ports, Tampa plays a crucial role in Florida’s economy. The port handles a diverse range of cargo, including containers, bulk commodities, and petroleum products. The port is also one of the world’s leading exporters of fertilizer. The closure will disrupt shipments, delaying or rerouting cargo and potentially causing environmental harm and economic ripples far beyond Tampa’s borders.

Adding to the stakes, Tampa serves as a vital gateway for fuel distribution. Unlike other states, Florida lacks an extensive fuel pipeline network. Petroleum arrives primarily via tankers at ports like Tampa, where it is then distributed to central Florida through the Central Florida Pipeline. The port’s closure risks exacerbating fuel shortages, particularly in inland areas like Orlando, where recent hurricane-related flooding has already stressed supply chains.

Jones Act Waiver Debate

Inevitably, calls to waive the Jones Act will surface as Hurricane Milton approaches. The Jones Act, or Section 27 of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, requires goods transported between US ports to be carried on US-flagged, US-owned, and US-crewed ships. Proponents argue that temporarily waiving this law could expedite the delivery of fuel and relief supplies, allowing foreign-flagged vessels to step in and fill gaps.

However, Mercogliano argues that such a waiver may not significantly aid Tampa’s situation. There is a dedicated fleet of Jones Act-compliant vessels capable of handling fuel transportation. The real bottleneck lies not in the availability of ships but in the distribution system’s capacity to deliver fuel from the ports to gas stations and other critical areas. With road closures and power outages expected, getting fuel out of Tampa post-storm may prove more challenging than importing it.

Jones Act: To Waive, Or Not to Waive

Mobilizing Maritime and Military Assets

Mercogliano emphasizes the need for proactive deployment of maritime and military assets ahead of Hurricane Milton’s landfall. As history has shown, waiting until after a hurricane to mobilize relief ships and both Navy and Army amphibious units can delay vital assistance. Florida’s response has already begun, with Duke Energy mobilizing 10,000 personnel, but Mercogliano says federal relief ships must also be pre-positioned now to aid in relief efforts.

Also read: FEMA Fumbles Again: Naval Resources Left Idle in Hurricane Milton Response by John Konrad

The episode suggests utilizing various maritime assets, including the new National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV), training ships, and Navy amphibious vessels. Mercogliano points out that these assets should be prepared to assist with cargo offloading, distribution, and even beach landings if roads are impassable. Naval units could also help restore damaged port infrastructure, ensuring ships can resume operations as soon as possible.

Also Read: Hurricane Relief – Where Are The US Army Watercraft?

A New Role for Cruise Ships?

An interesting suggestion Mercogliano raises is repurposing idle cruise ships for disaster relief. With scheduled cruises canceled due to the storm, these ships could temporarily house displaced residents or first responders, offering shelter, food, and medical facilities. The concept is not entirely novel; cruise ships have been used in previous disasters to provide emergency accommodations. Still, integrating them into formal relief planning could enhance their effectiveness.

Potential Economic Fallout

Should Tampa sustain heavy damage, Mercogliano predicts the economic impact will be felt far and wide. With fertilizer, fuel, citrus products, and chemicals among its key exports, disruptions at the port could have global repercussions. The port’s role as a gateway for imports—particularly vehicles and aircraft parts—will also mean supply chain challenges for local industries.

Moreover, the hurricane’s path directly over Orlando raises the prospect of widespread inland flooding, further complicating relief efforts and logistics. Given Florida’s geography, maritime strategies will be crucial to ensuring aid reaches the state’s interior.

Conclusion

The looming arrival of Hurricane Milton serves as a stark reminder of Florida’s maritime vulnerabilities. While the Jones Act waiver debate will inevitably resurface, it is crucial to focus on practical solutions, such as enhancing distribution logistics and mobilizing maritime assets early. Mercogliano’s episode underscores the importance of maritime strategy in disaster preparedness and response, as Florida braces for yet another potentially devastating hurricane.

Read Next: FEMA Fumbles Again: Naval Resources Left Idle in Hurricane Milton Response by John Konrad

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