CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ANNOUNCES RESOLUTION FOR WATER SPIRIT 2, RESTORING VITAL CARGO SERVICE TO THE VIRGIN ISLANDS

For Immediate Release Contact: Alayah Phipps

June 15, 2026 202-813-2793

PRESS RELEASE

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ANNOUNCES RESOLUTION FOR WATER SPIRIT 2, RESTORING VITAL CARGO SERVICE TO THE VIRGIN ISLANDS

U.S. Virgin Islands - Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) announced today that the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) has authorized Water Spirit Freight Services' vessels, Admiral Pride and Water Spirit 2, to resume operations under new berthing arrangements at the Pier 14 extension in San Juan, coordinated with the Puerto Rico Ports Authority (PRPA). The authorization allows for the restoration of critical cargo service for Virgin Islands residents and businesses following weeks of sustained advocacy by her office at the federal level.

In May of 2026, USCG issued orders imposing docking restrictions on Water Spirit 2 and Admiral Pride, barring both from re-entering San Juan Harbor until a compliant berthing arrangement could be identified. For the U.S. Virgin Islands, the practical effect was an immediate disruption to the cargo lifeline connecting St. Croix, St. Thomas, St. John, and San Juan. Congresswoman Plaskett's office engaged immediately, holding multiple meetings with USCG Headquarters, USCG Southeast District, and USCG Sector San Juan, as well as ongoing coordination with PRPA Director Negrón to ensure that the territory's interests and the impact on Virgin Islands residents were fully communicated to the relevant authorities.

"As soon as my office was made aware of the disruption of service to the Virgin Islands and that there were potentially federal agencies impacting Virgin Islands business, we reached out to the owner of Water Spirit and the US Coast Guard," said Congresswoman Plaskett. "Virgin Islanders cannot afford supply chain disruptions - not for a day, not for a week. My office worked at every level of the Coast Guard and with the Puerto Rico Ports Authority, and we remained at the table until the full impact on the Virgin Islands was considered and our constituents received the timely federal response they deserve."

"The people of the Virgin Islands deserve the same reliable access to goods and commerce that any American community expects," Congresswoman Plaskett continued. "Our territory's geographic reality means that freight disruptions have immediate, fundamental life consequences - on grocery store shelves, on small businesses, on families. We will always fight to protect that lifeline."

Congresswoman Plaskett's office will remain in contact with the Coast Guard, the Puerto Rico Ports Authority, and Water Spirit Freight Services to ensure a smooth and sustained return to full service.

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