HOT Port news from GAC

Your daily news service from ports around the world.

In this HOT PORT NEWS, read about:

• United States, Mississippi River, Louisiana – Recommended Loading Draft limit
• Kuwait, all ports – Customs strike
• Hong Kong, Hong Kong – Marine Site Investigation at Shek Kwu Chau
• Australia, Dampier – Tropical cyclone forming

DATE: March 13, 2012 – COUNTRY: United States – PORT: Mississippi River, Louisiana – Recommended Loading Draft limit

With immediate effect, any inbound or outbound vessel more than 1 inch over the Bar Pilot Recommended Loading Draft will not transit the Southwest Pass of the Mississippi River.

The only exception to that policy will be in the event that there is a lowering of the Recommended Loading Draft and a vessel is already in transit. In this instance, the Bar Pilots will evaluate it upon arrival and, if it can safely be transited, the Bar Pilot membership will try to accommodate that vessel.

For information about operations in the USA contact GAC USA at usa@gac.com

DATE: March 13, 2012 –  COUNTRY: Kuwait – PORT: all ports Customs strike 

Kuwaiti customs employees went on indefinite strike today (13 March), demanding better pay. Exports and imports have been paralysed as a result.

Ships’ inward/outward custom clearance has been suspended in all Kuwaiti ports. Cargo clearance of imports/exports is also suspended.

For more details or information about operations in Kuwait, contact GAC Kuwait at kuwait@gac.com

DATE: March 13, 2012 – COUNTRY: Hong Kong – PORT: Hong Kong – Marine Site Investigation at Shek Kwu Chau

From 15 March 2012 and for approximately three months, marine site investigation works involving drilling of boreholes will be carried out in the area bounded by straight lines joining the following co-ordinates (WGS 84 Datum) from (A) to (F) and the adjacent shoreline:

• (A) 22 deg. 11.310’N / 113 deg. 59.419’E
• (B) 22 deg. 11.209’N / 113 deg. 59.343’E
• (C) 22 deg. 11.209’N / 113 deg. 58.958’E
• (D) 22 deg. 11.352’N / 113 deg. 58.811’E
• (E) 22 deg. 11.456’N / 113 deg. 58.811’E
• (F) 22 deg. 11.553’N / 113 deg. 59.032’E

Three flat top barges will carry out the works. One tug and one motor boat will provide assistance.

A working area of approximately 50 metres will be established around each barge. Yellow marker buoys fitted with yellow flashing lights will be laid to mark the positions of the anchors extending from each barge.

The hours of work will be from 0700 to 1900 hours. No works will be carried out on Sundays and public holidays. The vessels employed for the works will stay in the works area outside the hours of work.

Vessels engaged in the operations will display signals as prescribed in international and local regulations.

Vessels navigating in the vicinity should proceed with caution.

(For information about operations in Hong Kong contact GAC Hong Kong at shipping.hongkong@gac.com)

Source: Government of Hong Kong SAR Marine Department Notice No.37 of 2012

DATE: March 13, 2012 – COUNTRY: Australia – PORT: Dampier – Tropical cyclone forming 

Strong winds are affecting Dampier Ports due to a tropical cyclone that has formed off the coast.

The low pressure area which has been causing strong winds in the last day or two has now formed into a Category 1 cyclone named LUA. It is not expected to affect the coast in the next couple of days and is currently moving north

Although the ports of Dampier and Ashburton North remain open, some facilities may have to close or stay closed.

After notifying Port Communications on VHF 11, vessels at anchor are free to depart at any time if the Master decides that is the best option in the prevailing and forecast conditions. Normal pilotage requirements remain in place during cyclone avoidance departures.

Squalls with winds up to 50 knots and heavy rain showers are anticipated over the next couple of days and port users must exercise care at those times.

For information about operations in Australia contact GAC Australia at shipping.australia@gac.com