Your daily news service from ports around the world.
In this HOT PORT NEWS, read about:
- * Norway, all ports – Threatened strike called off
- India, all ports – Merchant Shipping Rules implementation extended
- Hong Kong, all ports – Tropical Cyclone Warning: 28 June 2012
- Hong Kong, all ports – Sea Parade of Fishing Vessels on 1 July 2012
- Australia, Port Kembla – Loading at BlueScope Steel Discharge Bulk Berths
- Panama, Panama Canal – Modification of proposal to change tolls system
DATE: June 28, 2012 – COUNTRY: Norway – PORT: all ports Threatened strike called off
The threatened strike by five technicians in Lufttransport has been cancelled, after an agreement was reached last night (27 June).
All pilot and marine operation will now be conducted as normal.
For information about operations in Norway contact GAC Norway at norway@gac.com
DATE: June 28, 2012 – COUNTRY: India – PORT: all ports -Merchant Shipping Rules implementation extended
The date of implementation of the Merchant Shipping Rules 2012 (Regulation of Entry of Ships into Ports, Anchorages and Offshore Facilities) has been extended by 30 days.
The rules will now be implemented from 20 July 2012.
For information about operations in India contact GAC India at india@gac.com
DATE: June 28, 2012 – COUNTRY: Hong Kong PORT: all ports Tropical Cyclone Warning: 28 June 2012
The Standby Signal, No. 1 is in force. This means that a tropical cyclone now centred within about 800 kilometres of Hong Kong may affect us.
At midnight, Tropical Storm Doksuri was estimated to be about 690 kilometres east-southeast of Hong Kong (near 20.2 degrees north 120.4 degrees east) and is forecast to move west-northwest at about 25 kilometres per hour entering the South China Sea.
(For information about operations in Hong Kong contact GAC Hong Kong at shipping.hongkong@gac.com)
Source: Hong Kong Observatory Tropical Cyclone Bulletin issued at 23:45 HKT on 28 June 2012
DATE: June 28, 2012 – COUNTRY: Hong Kong – PORT: all ports – Sea Parade of Fishing Vessels on 1 July 2012
A sea parade comprising about 200 fishing vessels will take place in the Victoria Harbour on 1 July 2012 to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR.
Participating vessels will gather in Kellett Anchorage No.2 at about 0730 hours. The parade will start at about 0830 hours from Kellett Anchorage No. 2 following a route along the Southern Fairway, Central Fairway, Hung Hom Fairway and Eastern Fairway to waters off Quarry Bay and then turn westbound following a return route along the fairways to Kellett Anchorage No. 2 before dispersal at about 1100 hours.
Marine Department and Marine Police patrol launches will be deployed to regulate marine traffic during the passage of the sea parade.
Vessels navigating in the vicinity should proceed with caution and give a wide berth to the parade fleet and comply with any directions given by the Marine Department and Marine Police patrol launches.
(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.93 of 2012
DATE: June 28, 2012 – COUNTRY: Australia – PORT: Port Kembla – Loading at BlueScope Steel Discharge Bulk Berths
BHPB has started loading some of their coking coal shipments, up to Panamax size, at BlueAScope Steel (BSS) iron ore discharge bulk berths 112 & 111. These berths are presently under-utilised due to BSS withdrawal from the steel export market.
Coal loading at BSS is conducted by gantry & grab, the same equipment used for iron ore and limestone discharge and estimate about 6 days for loading subject to cargo availability. Available water at Berth 112 is 12.85m+tide and at Berth 111 it is 15.35+tide. Due to channel depth the MSD is 15.15m+tide.
Due to draft restrictions and other operations at BSS, Panamax size coal loading will firstly be part load at Berth 112 and then shift alongside to berth 111 to complete loading at shippers account.
For information about operations in Australia contact GAC Australia at shipping.australia@gac.com
DATE: June 28, 2012 COUNTRY: Panama PORT: Panama Canal Modification of proposal to change tolls system
In response to comments received, the Panama Canal Authority has adjusted its proposal to modify the tolls system.
In its Advisory to Shipping No.A-15-2012 dated 27 June 2012, the Panama Canal Authority states:
“The ACP Board of Directors, after carefully evaluating the observations and suggestions provided by interested parties, has considered if appropriate to adjust the original proposal to modify the tolls system of the Panama Canal as follows:
1. Set the implementation dates for the proposed toll increases to October 1, 2012 and October 1, 2013, including the minimum tolls, and 2. Maintain the classification of the ship type “container/break bulk” under the market segment “others”.
The remainder of the proposed modifications to the ACP tolls system is unchanged.”
The Authority will provide interested parties with an additional consultation period extended through July 12, 2012 at 4.15pm local time in order to present, in writing, data, opinions, information, arguments or presentations regarding the proposal. For additional information, go to http://www.pancanal.com/peajes
For information about operations in the Panama Canal contact GAC-Wilford & McKay at gac-wilfordmckay.panama@gac.com
