Your daily news service from ports around the world.
In this HOT PORT NEWS, read about:
- United States, Delaware River – Oil spill exercise
- Qatar, Mesaieed – Vessels with weapons & armed security teams
- China, all ports – China allows import of Indian basmati rice
- Singapore, Singapore – Search and Rescue operation
- Panama, Bahia Las Minas – Buoy out of service
DATE: April 24, 2012 – COUNTRY: United States – PORT: Delaware – River Oil spill exercise ***EXERCISE***EXERCISE****EXERCISE****
The U.S. Coast Guard has established a safety zone within the Delaware River near the Paulsboro Refinery.
The Safety Zone will encompass all the waters of the Delaware River 500 yards North and South of Berth 1.
Transiting vessels aree advised that there is active oil in the water and should consider anchoribng until the safety zone is lifted. Vessels needing passage through the safety zone must gain approval from the Captain of the Port Delaware Bay through the onscene patrol commander who can be reached via VHF radion on channel 21A.
Vessels are advised to contact the patrol commander at least 1 hour prior to arrival.
Any questions regarding the contents of this bulletin can be addressed with CG Sector Delaware Bay Command Center at 215-271-4807.
(For information about operations in the USA contact GAC USA at usa@gac.com)
DATE: April 24, 2012 – COUNTRY: Qatar – PORT: Mesaieed – Vessels with weapons & armed security teams
With immediate effect, all vessels calling to Mesaieed Port will not be allowed to carry on board any weapons or armed security teams.
Vessel’s suitability will not be granted if the above requirement is not adhered.
(For information about operations in Qatar contact GAC Qatar at qatar@gac.com)
Source: Mesaieed Industrial City Notice to Shipping Agents
DATE: April 24, 2012 – COUNTRY: China – PORT: all ports – China allows import of Indian basmati rice
China has allowed the import of basmati rice from India.
The import of several Indian agricultural products, including basmati rice, had been banned due to issues related to pest control and monitoring of quarantine pests in processing and storage houses in India.
The approval for imports of Indian basmati rice came after passing through the testing procedures of China’s official bodies.
For information about operations in China contact GAC China at china@gac.com
DATE: April 24, 2012 – COUNTRY: Singapore – PORT: Singapore – Search and Rescue operation
At about 0830hrs on 24 April 2012 (Singapore time), it was reported to the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) that a crew member from harbour craft, SC 4245I, was reported missing from the craft. The craft was moored near Marina South Pier.
MPA is currently coordinating the search and rescue (SAR) operation, involving two MPA and one Police Coast Guard craft. Divers have also been activated.
MPA has issued navigational broadcasts to vessels in the vicinity to keep clear of the SAR area and to report any sighting of the missing person. Operations at Marina South Pier remain unaffected.
MPA is investigating the incident.
(For information about operations in Singapore contact GAC Singapore at singapore@gac.com)
DATE: April 24, 2012 – COUNTRY: Panama – PORT: Bahia Las Minas – Buoy out of service
The Bahia Las Minas Chief Pilot has advised that one of the leading navigation buoys #5 has been removed for maintenance. In accordance with safety navigation measures, all night time docking/un-docking at Bahia Las Minas Terminal are supended until the navigation buoy is repaired and located back in her position.
All docking/un-docking maneuvres have daylight restrictions. Under these circumstances, vessels arriving and departing Las Minas may experience delays.
For information about operations in Panama contact GAC-Wilford & McKay at gac-wilfordmckay.panama@gac.com
