CPA, US military to systematize arrival of ships

The Commonwealth Ports Authority is meeting with United States military officials on Guam next week to discuss ways that would help alleviate growing concerns on the congestion of commercial and naval ships at the Saipan International Harbor.

Executive Director Carlos H. Salas said efforts are now underway between the CPA and the U.S. Military to craft a systematic approach on the arrival and accommodation of naval vessels at the Saipan seaport.

The proposed discussion came on the heels of concerns raised by private shipping companies on the glitches they encountered when the departure of military vessel USS Cushing was delayed by one day on the week of July 4, 2000.

However, Mr. Salas dismissed rumors that commercial ship operators complained about the incident. “We did not receive any complaint from private shipping companies. There may be concerns but we have promptly and properly addressed those issues.”

He pointed out that there were actually between five and six vessels that are either berthed or are scheduled to dock at the Saipan seaport at that time, which resulted in minor ship traffic problems.

All six vessels, one military and five commercial, have been accommodated properly at the seaport.

The ports authority has previously projected and prepared for the berthing of only three sea vessels at the Saipan International Harbor at a given time.
“There may have been some minor glitches but measures have already been taken to prevent a repetition,” he added.

Mr. Salas stressed that a berthing plan has already been worked out by the ports authority with commercial shipping companies, and a similar design is expected to be discussed with U.S. Navy officials on Guam.

“We are now working out for a systematic way of scheduling the arrival of U.S. Navy ships in the Northern Marianas with military officials on Guam,” he told reporters in an interview.

Under the finalized berthing plan, CPA will ask incoming vessels to either fast-track or slow down their arrival depending on the traffic situation at the Saipan International Seaport.

The ports authority does not charge military vessels any port fees as the agency’s contribution to government efforts aimed at revitalizing the islands’ tourism industry, through the arrival of naval personnel for rest and recreation.

“We are upbeat on the multiplier effect of the arrival of military ships to the Northern Marianas economy. We believe that the amount we sacrifice by exempting them from port fees goes a long way somewhere else in the local economy,” he said.