Carolinas ports gird for Tropical Storm Hanna

Carolinas ports gird for Tropical Storm Hanna Ports along the Atlantic Coast said they were making preparations for Tropical Storm Hanna.
   “With the projected track of Tropical Storm Hanna moving farther to the east, the South Carolina State Ports Authority has extended the receiving/delivering window for import and export loaded containers until 5:30 p.m. on Thursday,” the port authority said Thursday morning. The extension does not include breakbulk cargo or empties.
   On Friday, the port said the common user gates and Union Pier Terminal will be closed. Information on licensed user gates for APM/Maersk, COSCO/'K' Line/Yang Ming/Hanjin, Evergreen and ACS should be obtained from the individual carrier or stevedore.
   Depending on the speed and track of the storm, SCSPA said Saturday would be used to survey the terminals and channels. With the U.S. Coast Guard’s approval, and contingent on the terminals being able to reopen, it anticipates resumption of vessel traffic on Sunday and regular gate operations to commence on Monday.
   It noted this schedule is subject to modification as conditions change and as new information becomes available and suggested port users check www.scspa.comwww.scspa.com.
   The North Carolina Ports Authority said the ports of Wilmington and Morehead City continue working to secure the terminals in preparation for Hanna, while performing normal business operations.
   Both ports will close to commercial traffic at noon Friday and all nonessential port authority employees will be sent home.
   Gale force winds are forecast to arrive at Frying Pan Shoals around 2 p.m. Friday.
   “We anticipate that the terminals will be completely buttoned up by 3 p.m. Friday, with a skeleton crew remaining on site for the duration of the storm, the port said. Information will be posted at www.ncports.com.