First ship delivers essential cargo to Saipan as port opens
The APL Islander arrived in Saipan at 7 a.m. this morning – April 23 CHamoru Standard Time, becoming the first vessel to call at the Port of Saipan after it was officially reopened by the U.S. Coast Guard after Super Typhoon Sinlaku.
Michelle Quidachay, general manager for Guam and Saipan for APL, told the Journal, “The vessel is carrying essential cargo including food, water, fresh produce, building materials and other critical supplies to support recover efforts across the CNMI.”
QuidachayShe said, “These shipments originated from both the United States and Asia, helping to restore vital supplies to the islands.”
Due to ongoing port recovery conditions, the Islander will utilize its own ship’s cranes to discharge containers, ensuring cargo operations can proceed efficiently despite limited shoreside capabilities, Quidachay said.
Following discharge operations, the Islander will return to Guam to load additional relief cargo before sailing back to Saipan on April 28.
In related news, the Francisco C. Ada International Airport Saipan reopened April 23 for both United passenger flights and Micronesian Air Cargo/Connection services, as did Star Marianas. Rota Airport is open to receive flights, Tinian Airport is open for humanitarian flights only, and limited to daytime operations. mbj
Matson Inc. and Hanwha Philly Shipyard Inc. held a christening ceremony for the Aloha Class Vessel Makua, set to serve Guam in the first quarter of 2027, at the Hanwha Philly Shipyard, Philadelphia on Oct. 12.
Essential infrastructure, commercial fuel stations, and private health facilities across Guam are swiftly reopening following the passage of Super Typhoon Champi, with key transportation hubs and utility providers moving into full recovery status.
Just hours after Super Typhoon Champi passed south of Guam, President Donald Trump approved Gov. Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero's request for an emergency declaration, which authorizes the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate emergency assistance.
Typhoon Champi is now expected to be a Category 4 storm, with winds of 130 to 156 mph and gusts of more than 180 mph, when it makes its closest approach to Guam.
