Fuel cargoes being discharged in Puerto Rico as terminals reopen

Tankers are beginning to discharge their loads at more terminals in Puerto Rico as the facilities come back online, according to Reuters.

At the Yabucoa facility in the southeast of the hurricane-ravaged Caribbean island, US petroleum distributor Buckeye Partners has been able to resume full service of marine, truck and tank operations.

On the island’s southern coast, the terminal at the port of Guayanilla on Sunday received its first tanker (with a cargo of gasoline) since the devastating hit from Hurricane Maria.

Also on the southern coast the Port of Ponce reopened on Saturday with restrictions but has yet to receive any cargo.

Fuel imports have been being received at a slow but steady pace in San Juan, the island’s major port, with the 50,497 dwt Navig8 Strength unloading on Monday and 49,990 dwt Beryl discharging gasoline on Tuesday.

Maria was so devastating it cut all electric power, damaged roads, caused fuel and food shortages and limited access to medicines, health services and clean water.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday visited the island for the first time since the disaster.