Port awaits final report on wharf

by Mindy Aguon

Guam - Studies are still being conducted on the F-5 Wharf to determine what operations it can handle. In late-January, the Port Authority's insurance company instructed the agency that studies were necessary because of structural concerns.

Port Authority General Manager Pedro Leon Guerrero says assessments of the dock are being conducted but the insurance company needs some additional information to make a complete report.  Operations had to be moved to the F-4 Wharf area, which has placed additional challenges on the agency's staff. "It is putting it is taxing the port because obviously what we're doing to maintain the time on deck on the vessel on the dock and not trying to extend it, we are throwing more employees at the work, so we can minimize their time or at least keep it within reason of what they're used to. So yes, it is affecting us but we're still doing the work," said Leon Guerrero.

Structural concerns were raised following scheduled underwater inspections of the port's waterfront facilities. The closure of the f-5 wharf however has not resulted in delays in cargo.