Following the Governor’s recent letter, Coast Guard agrees to meet with Governor Bryan to address concerns over orders affecting cargo vessels that move essential goods between Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — The U.S. Coast Guard has agreed to meet with Governor Albert Bryan Jr. to address concerns over recent orders affecting the M/V Water Spirit II and BVI M/V Admirals Pride, two cargo vessels that help move food, refrigerated goods, vehicles, appliances, construction materials, industrial parts and other essential items between Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
The meeting follows a recent letter from Governor Bryan requesting a collaborative effort among the Coast Guard, the Government of the Virgin Islands, cargo operators and other appropriate partners to resolve the issue in a way that protects maritime safety without disrupting a critical cargo route serving Virgin Islands residents, families and businesses.
The issue involves Captain of the Port orders issued on April 30, 2026, directing the vessels to stop their current Mediterranean-style mooring operations at Pier 10 in San Juan. Governor Bryan is asking the Coast Guard to consider a temporary variance that would allow the vessels to continue operating while all parties work together on a safe, practical and lasting solution.
Governor Bryan said the matter requires urgency because the affected vessels support a long-standing cargo route that grocery stores, small businesses, contractors, retailers, vehicle owners and families depend on every day.
“We respect the Coast Guard’s authority and we share its commitment to maritime safety,” Governor Bryan said. “At the same time, we have to recognize the real-world impact this decision could have on the people of the Virgin Islands. This route moves food, refrigerated goods, vehicles, appliances, construction materials, industrial parts and household items that our residents and businesses rely on. We are asking for a fair opportunity to work through the issue together without cutting off an essential service before a workable alternative is in place.”
Governor Bryan’s request focuses on two immediate steps: allowing the vessels to continue operating temporarily while safety and mooring concerns are addressed, and bringing the appropriate parties to the table to identify a solution that is safe, practical and workable for all involved.
“This is the kind of issue that requires partnership, urgency and common sense,” Governor Bryan said. “Our goal is simple. Keep the waterway safe, keep commerce moving and keep essential goods flowing to the people of the Virgin Islands. I believe we can do all three if we sit down together and work toward an amicable solution.”
The Governor said the issue is about more than vessel operations. It is about protecting a supply chain that affects the cost, availability and timely movement of goods across the Territory. Any sudden disruption, he said, could have consequences for residents waiting on household items, businesses filling orders, grocery stores stocking shelves and contractors trying to keep projects moving.
“This is exactly the kind of bread-and-butter issue that government has to stay on top of,” Governor Bryan said. “When a decision has the potential to affect what reaches our stores, our job sites, our businesses and our homes, we have a responsibility to step in, bring the right people together and work toward a solution before the impact is felt by the public.”
Governor Bryan thanked U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Juan for its continued partnership and said he is encouraged that the Coast Guard has agreed to meet with him to discuss a path forward.
The Bryan-Roach Administration will continue working with federal and maritime partners to pursue a timely resolution that protects navigational safety while preserving the movement of essential goods to the Virgin Islands.
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