Port Tampa Bay’s Navigable Waters Reopen Following Tropical Storm Debby

Port Tampa Bay will resume vessel operations and our port’s shipping channels are officially re-opened, with some restrictions set by the U.S. Coast Guard. As Tropical Storm Debby moved through our area, Port Tampa Bay coordinated with federal, state, and local agencies, as well as the maritime community, to respond to the impacts of the system. We want to express our sincere appreciation to those who helped our port prepare and recover from the impact of the storm. The port’s Operations, Security, Facilities, Engineering staff, maritime community, the U.S. Coast Guard, and our local law enforcement and emergency response agencies were critical to our ability to minimize the effects of the storm and help our port to return to operations as soon as safely possible. 

During the storm, the port’s non-vessel landside operations remained open to ensure the smooth and steady delivery of fuel to residents and visitors of the state. Port Tampa Bay supplies nearly half of Florida’s gas, fuel, and petroleum supply and we play a critical role in Hurricane preparation and recovery. 

In coordination with the Port Heavy Weather Advisory Group, and following detailed assessments of the port, waterways, and channels, the U.S. Coast Guard has reopened the port and set the port condition to normal (Port Condition IV), with few exceptions. Port staff fully assessed the docks, wharfs, and terminals for safety. Commercial vessel traffic is again being queued for a return to full operations at the port, meaning we are open for business. Some of the first vessels to return will be fuel tankers and two cruise ships.