Port Recovery in the Aftermath of Hurricane Sandy: Improving Port Resiliency in the Era of Climate Change

Authored by U.S. Coast Guard Fellow Commander Linda Sturgis, along with Dr. Tiffany Smythe and Captain Andrew Tucci (USCG), "Port Recovery in the Aftermath of Hurricane Sandy: Improving Port Resiliency in the Era of Climate Change" examines how an effective private and public sector collaboration enabled a successful and timely port recovery. Established as a “lesson learned” from 2005’s Hurricane Katrina, the Marine Transportation System Recovery Unit (MTS-RU) and their efforts during Sandy provide a model for not only reducing potential damage, but also successfully restoring critical transportation, energy, cargo, and security facilities in the event of natural or mad-made disasters.

Beginning with preparations for the oncoming 14-foot storm surge, the report presents a detailed narrative and “from the field” photographs of the port recovery process. Above all, the report highlights that the rich social capital of those organizations brought together through the MTS-RU was the foundation for effective port resilience and recovery.

Interactive graphic: See the report in graphic form here.