Your daily news service from ports around the world.
In this HOT PORT NEWS, read about:
- South Africa, all ports – Regulator rejects proposed 18.06% tariff increase
- United States, Delaware River – Mantua Creek Anchorage closure
- United States, all ports – Channel closures due to fog
- Chile, all ports – Chilean stevedores’ strike
DATE: February 14, 2012 – COUNTRY: South Africa – PORT: all ports – Regulator rejects proposed 18.06% tariff increase
The National Ports Authority has applied to the Ports Regulator of South Africa for approval of their proposed 18.06% increase in tariffs for services and facilities offered by the Authority for the 2012/2013 tariff year, commencing on 1 April 2012 and ending on 31 March 2013.
In considering the NPA’s tariff application and various submissions, comments of stakeholders and the regulatory framework, the Ports Regulator concluded that a 2.76% tariff increase was a reasonable increase and therefore appropriate for the 2012/2013 tariff year.
The Regulator has therefore rejected the proposed 18.06% tariff increase sought by the NPA for the tariff year 2012/2013.
The Record of Decision shall be published in due course.
(For information about operations in South Africa contact GAC South Africa at southafrica@gac.com)
Source: Ports Regulator of South Africa
DATE: February 14, 2012 – COUNTRY: United States – PORT: Delaware – River Mantua Creek Anchorage closure
The U.S. Coast Guard has established a safety zone within the Delaware River near Sunoco Fort Mifflin Refinery around the Dredge ESSEX beginning February 13, 2012 until February 25, 2012. During this time the Dredge ESSEX will be operating around the Army Corps of Engineers dock. Vessels requesting to transit the area shall contact the Dredge ESSEX on Channel 13 or 16 VHF, 30 minutes prior to arrival. Vessels shall then transit around the dredge project utilizing the upriver portion of the Mantua Creek Anchorage above Sunoco Fort Mifflin Refinery while operating at the minimum safe speed necessary to maintain steerage and reduce wake.
During this time period the western side of the channel will be closed to traffic. The upper portion of the anchorage will also be closed with the exception of transiting traffic. Vessels desiring to the anchor within the downriver portion of Mantua Anchorage must obtain permission from the Captain of the Port at least 24 hours in advance, at (215) 271-4807. The COTP will permit one vessel at a time in Mantua Creek Anchorage on a “first-come, first-serve” basis. Vessels will not be permitted to occupy the anchorage beyond 24 hours. Vessels are encouraged to use Marcus Hook Anchorage (Anchorage #10) and Thompson Point Anchorage (Anchorage #8) as alternatives.
The operator of any vessel in the safety zone shall proceed as directed by the designated representative ofthe Captain of the POrt and shall contact the Dredge ESSEX on Channel 13 or 16, for passing information.
(For information about operations in the USA contact GAC USA at usa@gac.com)
Source: US Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay Marine Safety Information Bulletin #04-12 dated 13 February 2012
DATE: February 14, 2012 – COUNTRY: United States – PORT: all ports – Channel closures due to fog
The below channels in the US Gulf have been closed today (14 February) due to low visibility caused by fog.
SABINE: Sabine/Neches Channel closed due to fog. As of 0415/14feb12 the Sabine pilots suspended service due to dense fog and remains suspended at this time. Traffic is expected to move outbound first with the fog clears. No daylight restricted traffic is expected inbound today.
GALVESTON: Galveston/Texas City Pilots suspended boardings due to low visibility February 14, 2012 at 0515 hrs.
TEXAS CITY: Galveston/Texas City Pilots suspended boardings due to low visibility February 14, 2012, 0515 hrs.
HOUSTON: Houston Pilots Association suspended boardings due to low visibility on the Houston Ship Channel February 14, 2012, 0445 hrs. Southwest Shipyard LP – Brady Island moving drydock #9 to the southeast corner of the Upper Brady Island, then out into the corner of the ship channel to accommodate the draft requirements of the M/V Gibb Gilchrist, while undocking vessel, February 15, 2012, 0800-1200.
For information about operations in the USA contact USA at usa@gac.com
DATE: February 14, 2012 – COUNTRY: Chile – PORT: all ports – Chilean stevedores’ strike
The following Chilean ports will be affected by the stevedores’ strike announced for 15 & 16 February: Iquique, Coquimbo, Huasco, Caldera, San Vicente, Coronel and Lirquen.
For information about operations in Chile contact GAC Ultramar Network at gac-ultramarnetwork.chile@gac.com
