Sinlaku Recovery: Rota's Seaport

Significant damages sustained by Rota’s primary seaport, Thomas C. Mendiola Commercial Port has highlighted the resilience and perseverance of its people. Nearly two weeks after Super Typhoon Sinlaku devastated the Marianas, the island of Rota has been able to adapt and improvise, to ensure the return of some sense of normalcy.

According to the island’s Commonwealth Ports Authority Manager Albert Taitano, “Typhoon Sinlaku has caused the concrete parking area in front of the CPA building to collapse, creating a big sinkhole, part of the revetment between berths 1 & 2 were washed away by the storm, and large amount of debris and large rocks are scattered within the facility.”

In light of the current inoperable state of Rota’s commercial port, all shipments to and from the island have been diverted to its East Harbor. As stated by the Department of Finance’s Resident Director Avery Calvo, who also oversees Rota’s Customs and Biosecurity Division, “the Division has successfully transitioned commercial operations to the East Harbor. This Port of Entry is currently being utilized as the primary alternative for commercial stevedoring to ensure the uninterrupted flow of goods. The East Harbor is currently cleared to accommodate vessels up to 35 feet in length.” Calvo adds that despite having to relocate seaport operations, the Division maintains all biosecurity and security mandates in full effect.

Meanwhile, Port Manager Taitano ensures that the Commercial Port is currently under assessment, “CPA is in the process of getting berths 1 and 2 assessed for structural integrity by a professional and independent engineering team and then will provide the USCG… [US Coast Guard]... with the assessment finding/report before it can resume delivery, loading, and off-loading operation of cargoes at both berths.”

Despite the interruption of regular operations, community stakeholders remain committed to a seamless adjustment as Rota continues down its road to recovery, “In alignment with the Commonwealth’s recovery goals, the Division has waived all Customs and Quarantine (CQ) fees for flights and charters associated with the Recovery for the duration of this emergency period. This measure is intended to alleviate the financial impact on the local business community and to expedite the arrival of essential supplies. We specifically acknowledge the airline and maritime industries for the increased flight and voyage frequency, which has been instrumental in transporting donations and critical resources to Rota,” stated Resident Director Calvo, who adds “Our mission remains the protection of Rota’s borders and the support of our community’s recovery.”

CPA Ports Manager Taitano reassures the people of Rota that CPA is following damage assessment procedures to ensure the safety and structural integrity of the facility for the public, the vessel operators and government employees.

As local and federal stakeholders continue to ensure that Rota’s commercial port is properly assessed and repaired, several businesses on the island have shared their experiences of having to adjust to the redirection of its seaport. Local business owner Estrella Mendiola shares with MP that her 3 stores, Harvest Mart, 3 Kings and 3 Kings Too, currently have roughly 40,000 lbs of merchandise off-island that can only be shipped to Rota in 5,000-6,000 lbs increments, each time. According to Mendiola, they have had to avail themselves of the services of a much smaller shipping vessel in order to continue importing goods to keep her store’s shelves stocked, as opposed to her usual form of import through Matson, which has since cancelled their operations to Rota at this time.

According to Matson’s Vice President of Corporate Communications Keoni Wagner, “Matson is in communication with the Commonwealth Ports Authority about the condition of the port and its ability to accept our vessel and conduct cargo operations. We plan to resume service as soon as the port is cleared for commercial cargo operations."

Meanwhile, TJ Enterprises Inc. who runs Sinapalo Safeway and exports produce to neighboring islands stated that immediately after the super typhoon they weren’t able to import or export goods to and from Saipan due to the conditions of both island’s ports. TJ Enterprises Inc. operates their own small-cargo vessel, which has had to utilize Rota’s temporary seaport at the East Harbor. However, entry into the East Harbor is currently being licensed by the Rota Mayor’s Office and is highly dependent on sea levels and tide conditions. TJ Enterprises Inc. also adds that they have had to also employ air freight services in order to maintain normal cargo operations.

Rota now awaits the results of the Federal Emergency Management Agency assessment that was conducted at the commercial port in order to move forward with repairs and reopening.