GT USA Largest Export on Record

6/14/2021
(GT USA Press Release)

GTUSA Cargo Loading

Port Canaveral – GT USA completed the loading of the single largest export of containers onto a vessel at its terminal on June 16 at Port Canaveral.  
 
The operation was even more noteworthy because of the severe weather conditions  - torrential rain and howling winds exceeding 40 mph made cargo handling particularly challenging. When winds reach 42 mph and above, an automatic safety stop is triggered on the ship-to-shore gantry cranes.  Loading operations had to be halted several times for the safety and protection of the stevedores, crane operators, vessel’s crew and customers’ cargo. Despite the challenges from the elements, the record-breaking consignment was safely loaded and secured aboard the MV Jacqueline C.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      The MV Jacqueline C is one of several vessels that carries essential cargo supplies for Schuyler Line to Ascension Island in the South Atlantic Ocean. GT USA’s Canaveral Cargo Terminal (CCT) has been serving cargo vessels for Schuyler Line Navigation Company (SLNC) of Annapolis, Md. for the past 6 years, handling a wide range of cargo, both containerized and breakbulk.   
 
Of the many containers handled in this call, 177 were bitumen containers (20-foot tank containers) weighing approximately 50,000 pounds each. These, plus many of the remaining containers, were loaded with supplies for delivery to Ascension Island. In addition, loaded on MV Jacqueline C were the normal Ascension resupply of materials, including dry and refrigerated foodstuffs and heavy construction equipment.
 
“During the past 6 years CCT has developed a strong relationship with Schuyler Line allowing us to provide our services custom designed for their needs.  The diverse nature of the cargo on this vessel shows the versatility of the services we have to offer here at Port Canaveral,” said Joe Cruise, General Manager, GT USA. 
 
GT USA receives cargo weeks in advance and sometimes the day before the Ascension sailing.  Though most of the containers are received loaded, some are transloaded from over the road trailers into containers, as well as cargo received in individual boxes from various vendors that need to be inventoried and stuffed into containers.
 
“Schuyler Line vessels call some of the most remote and austere environments around the world. These areas require unique and specific challenges, and GT USA has met those head on. They are very capable of handling a variety of cargo and refrigerated containers, flatracks, and breakbulk cargo. Their expertise has supported our success,” says Julia Irish, Director of Operations for SLNC.