Miami Ship's Maiden Voyage is Haiti

Getting supplies to the island nation presents a unique challenge

The brand new Sante Shipping Lines terminal is operating at full capacity. Large shipping containers being loaded aboard the "Sante Manna." She will soon set sail to the north side of Haiti.

The "Sante Manna" will likely be the first ship departing the Miami River with relief supplies for the ravaged island nation.

What the ship might find is a tough place to dock. The port at Port au Prince which was all but destroyed by Tuesday's 7.0 earthquake that rocked Haiti's capital city and main shipping port.

"The pier, the main pier has fallen into the water," says Bruno Ramos the CEO at Sante Shipping Lines.

Ramos estimates it will be a good six months before the facility will be able to accommodate large ships which are critical for delivering relief and recovery material.

Sante Shipping has an established route to Cap Haitian and Gonaives in the north of Haiti. "Our port at Cap Haitian, the terminal, has advised us they have no damage. They can accept our ship and our goods," says Charles Towsley, SSL President.

Sante Shipping has put together a Haiti Earthquake Disaster Relief Program. They are offering bargain prices for the shipment of containers. They are working with non profit organizations and encouraging corporate sponsors who want to contribute to Haiti relief by shipping containers full of donated goods.

SSL has a drop off facility at their terminal localed at 3075 NW South River Drive in Miami. They are looking for organizations who are collecting water, powdered milk, and canned food.

Charles Towsley has a theory about what what's next for many of the devastated and destitute Haitians now stuck in Port au Prince.

"Just like what happened during Hurricane Andrew, folks will head north. They will seek shelter, food and that's available in Cap Haitian and Gonaives which also was untouched by the earthquake," he said. "That puts SSL in the right place at the right time to supply the region with critical relief supplies."

The Miami River terminals ship most of Haiti's foodstuffs and consumer products. With the sea bridge disrupted between The River and Port au Prince the Miami-Cap Haitian route is the best alternative.

The containers will have to be driven south to Port au Prince. Towsley says there are trucks available in Cap Haitian and he'd just received an inquiry about shipping 27 box trucks to the island.

"That will sure help transport relief supplies," he said.

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