Tinian port remains open despite aging facilities, access problems

The Port of Tinian remains open and continues to handle cargo shipments despite aging infrastructure and access problems that may prevent certain vessels from using the facility, according to Commonwealth Ports Authority board chair Bartley Jackson.

Jackson clarified that the port was temporarily closed during Super Typhoon Sinlaku for safety reasons but has not been shut down because of damage to its facilities.

"It was not closed and is not closed," Jackson said in an interview with Marianas Press.

His clarification comes amid concerns from businesses trying to ship products to Tinian, with some reportedly being told that the port was closed.

Jackson acknowledged that some vessels may have difficulty accessing the port because of existing conditions.

"Yeah, there may be certain vessels that can't access it because of the challenges," he said.

He stressed, however, that the port remains operational and continues to receive commercial cargo and materials for ongoing military construction at North Field.

Jackson said Tinian's port infrastructure has been deteriorating for years, particularly its breakwater and harbor depth.

The aging facilities have prompted plans to improve the port as the U.S. military expands its presence on the island.

The proposed improvements are being developed alongside military construction projects, including facilities at North Field.

Jackson said the final scope of the improvements has not been determined, but he expects the port to undergo major upgrades.

"Now the specific details are a bit fluid and they're changing," he said.

He said the improvements should benefit both residents and the military by providing better facilities capable of accommodating increased activity.

"So we can look forward to some new facilities in Tinian that should benefit the community dramatically and will also be ready to handle an increased military presence," Jackson said.

Meanwhile, Jackson confirmed that the Port of Saipan is now fully operational after the U.S. Coast Guard cleared vessels that sank during Sinlaku.

He explained that the storm caused several vessels to sink inside the harbor, blocking access to certain sections of the port.

Although the port reopened after the typhoon, some areas remained inaccessible because of the sunken vessels.

Jackson said ownership questions and problems involving how the vessels were moored complicated efforts to remove them.

"The good news is that we were working very closely with the Coast Guard and the Coast Guard has now cleared all of those sunken vessels," he said.

He clarified that most of the port had already been operating before the remaining obstructions were removed.

With the sunken vessels cleared, all sections of the Port of Saipan are now accessible.