Crowley partners with American Red Cross to preposition relief items to Virgin Islands

JACKSONVILLE, FL — Crowley Maritime Corporation’s liner services group partnered with the American Red Cross last week to donate ocean transportation services for disaster supplies to the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) of St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix.  As three islands that have certainly seen their share of Atlantic hurricanes, they were earmarked by the Red Cross to receive disaster relief items ahead of any storms or other natural disasters that might come their way.

The items include comfort kits, blankets, lanterns, batteries, cots and food and beverage cambros. The five containers, donated by Maersk Line and totaling eight TEUs, were loaded by the American Red Cross in Atlanta, Ga, received by Crowley in Jacksonville, and finally delivered to the islands on Saturday.


“Crowley is proud to partner with the Red Cross to ensure that our friends and neighbors in the Caribbean won’t be caught off guard by any impending natural disaster,” said Rudy Leming, vice president.  “We know all too well the devastating effects that events like hurricanes can have on a community and gladly support programs like this one that are intended to minimize those effects.”

“The mission of the American Red Cross is to help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.  The generous donation of shipping services from Crowley will enable the Red Cross to provide disaster relief items to people during their time of need,” said Armond Mascelli, vice president of Response Operations for the American Red Cross. “The Red Cross provides help and hope to communities across the nation and around the world, however, our work is only possible with the support of corporations like Crowley.”  

By Professional Mariner Staff