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HomeNewsLocal governmentV.I. Port Authority Issues Update on Ports, Modified Operations

V.I. Port Authority Issues Update on Ports, Modified Operations

Virgin Islands Port Authority on St. Thomas

Virgin Islands Port Authority Executive Director Carlton Dowe provided the following update concerning port operations in the U.S. Virgin Islands as health officials work to address the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Airports: Both Cyril E. King and Henry E. Rohlsen airports are open. However, VIPA has noticed a marked drop in travelers. With the recent suspension on new hotel bookings issued by Governor Albert Bryan Jr., effective Wednesday, March 25, VIPA expects to see fewer travelers arriving in the territory in the upcoming weeks.

As a territory of the United States, the USVI’s airports operate under the guidelines set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). VIPA cannot close the territory’s airports without federal authorization. It should be noted that Puerto Rico has made several requests to close its airports to no avail. Moreover, at the arrival of COVID-19 in the territory, there were thousands of guests in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Had the airport been closed, these guests would have been stranded in the territory. As of March 22, over 400 guests have departed from the USVI. Hundreds of passengers traveling through St. Thomas destined for the British Virgin Islands (BVI) have also returned to the mainland due to the its port closures.

Flights: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Seaborne and Cape Air have reported reduced schedules or cancellations of flights to and from St. Thomas. No airline cancellations have been reported for St. Croix. Travelers are encouraged to contact their airlines directly for flight information prior to arriving at the airport.

A U.S. Customs and Border Protection patch

Cruise Seaports: All cruise lines have voluntarily suspended their operations for at least 30 days. VIPA acknowledges the serious economic impact the cancellation of cruise activity may cause for tenants and the territory’s economy.  It is hopeful that a resolution to this very serious matter will be reached soon. At this time, safety is of paramount priority.

Interisland Car Ferries: All three car ferry companies are operating between St. John and St. Thomas – Global Marine, Love City Car Ferries and Todd G. Global Marine – and Love City Car Ferries have published modified ferry service schedules.

Interisland Passenger Ferries:  The St. John-St. Thomas passenger ferries are operating as normal. The QE IV ferry, which services the St. Croix-St. Thomas route, is not operating until further notice.

The Edward Blyden Terminal: Ferry operations at the Blyden Terminal ended at noon Tuesday and will be closed until further notice. However, Customs services will be available at the Blyden Terminal from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

British Virgin Islands Ferries:  In the interest of accuracy, please confirm schedules directly with the BVI ferry companies concerning travel in the British Virgin Islands.

Cargo Operations: Cargo operations in the territory will continue as normal. VIPA reminds the public that all its seaports and mariners operate under the rules and regulations set by the United States Coast Guard.

Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (Susan Ellis photo)

U.S. Customs and Border Protection: CBP has adjusted its hours of operations at VIPA’s St. Thomas-St. John District’s ports to reduce staffing in response to COVID-19.  There are no changes to CBP’s hours of operation in the St. Croix District at this time.

Cyril E. King Airport, St. Thomas

8 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily

Edward Blyden Terminal, St. Thomas

8 a.m. to 4 p.m., daily

Victor Sewer Facility, Cruz Bay, St. John

8 a.m. to 4 p.m., daily

UVF Terminal, Red Hook, St. Thomas

Closed Until Further Notice as of March 23, 2020

Port IDs: The VIPA ID Office will be closed to the public until further notice. IDs will not be processed for marine or aviation employees. All police reports, including lost badge reports, should be made over the phone by calling the VIPA Dispatch Office at 340-714-6659.

SIDA Classes: All Security Identity Display Area (SIDA) classes have been canceled until further notice.

Love City Car Ferries

Administrative Offices Closure: VIPA has implemented a work-from-home program for most of its administrative employees, territorywide. The administrative offices are closed as of Tuesday, March 24, through April 17. A list of contact numbers and email addresses for VIPA staff can be found on its website at http://www.viport.com/contact.html.

Port Operations Continue: Per the mission of the V.I. Port Authority, travel and commerce must continue. As such, some of its employees have been asked to report to work to keep its facilities open and to facilitate safe port operations. The employees will be properly equipped with the materials to keep them safe as they carry out their duties and help keep V.I. ports functional.

Parking Lots: All of VIPA’s airport and seaport parking lots are open normal hours.

Communication: The public can communicate with VIPA staff by calling 340-774-1629 on St. Thomas-St. John, or 340-778-1012 on St. Croix or via email info@viport.com. Updates will be posted on VIPA’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram social media pages as well as its website www.viport.com. Follow @usviports.

The Port Authority remains committed to the health and safety of its employees, tenants and partners.

For more information on COVID-19, the new strain of coronavirus, visit the USVI Department of Health’s website: www.doh.vi.gov/coronavirus or text COVID19USVI to 888777. #COVID19USVI

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