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Home ShipmanagementBunkering HOT PORT NEWS from GAC

HOT PORT NEWS from GAC

by admin

Your daily news service from ports around the world.

In this HOT PORT NEWS, read about:

  • United States, Mississippi River, Louisiana – New recommended draft limitation
  • Hong Kong, Hong Kong – Marine Site Investigation south of Pillar Point & north of The Brothers, Urmston Road
  • Hong Kong, Hong Kong – Laying of Cross Harbour Water Pipeline
  • Hong Kong, Hong Kong – Dredging works north of Urmston Road Anchorage
  • Singapore, all ports – Merchant Shipping (Safety Convention) (Amendment) regulations
  • Hong Kong, all ports – Safety of mid-stream container handling
  • Singapore, Singapore – Mangrove biodiversity protection & restoration works
  • Australia, Gladstone – Towage strike suspended
  • Bunker Update – GAC MARKET PRICE UPDATE 29/06/12

DATE: June 29, 2012 COUNTRY: United States PORT: Mississippi River, Louisiana New recommended draft limitation

The Bar Pilots for the Port of New Orleans recommend that vessels should not have a deep draft in fresh water in excess of Forty-Seven feet (47 feet) beginning June 28, 2012 @10:30am when transiting the area of the Southwest Pass of the Mississippi River from the Southwest Pass Sea Buoy (Entrance Lighted Whistle Buoy “SW”) to Mile 1.5 above Head of Passes in the Mississippi River.

This draft recommendation, which may be increased or decreased at any time as conditions warrant, becomes effective at 1030 hours CST on June 28, 2012 and replaces the draft recommendation that was effective on May 21, 2012.

Nothing in the recommendations of the Bar Pilots should be construed as limiting a pilot in the exercise of his judgment.

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

Source: Associated Branch Pilots (Bar Pilots), Port of New Orleans notice dated 28 June 2012

DATE: June 29, 2012  -COUNTRY: Hong Kong – PORT: Hong Kong  – Marine Site Investigation south of Pillar Point & north of The Brothers, Urmston Road

For approximately 2 weeks, marine site investigation works involving drilling of boreholes will be carried out [south of Pillar Point & north of The Brothers, Urmston Road] within the following areas:

Area 1: This area is bounded by straight lines joining the following co-ordinates(WGS 84 Datum) from (A) to (D):

  • (A) 22 deg. 21.839’N / 113 deg. 55.359’E
  • (B) 22 deg. 21.687’N / 113 deg. 55.499’E
  • (C) 22 deg. 21.640’N / 113 deg. 55.451’E
  •  (D) 22 deg. 21.794’N / 113 deg. 55.308’E

Area 2: This area is bounded by straight lines joining the following co-ordinates (WGS 84 Datum) from (E) to (J):

  • (E) 22 deg. 20.858’N / 113 deg. 57.415’E
  • (F) 22 deg. 20.813’N / 113 deg. 57.658’E
  • (G) 22 deg. 20.854’N / 113 deg. 57.765’E
  • (H) 22 deg. 20.780’N / 113 deg. 57.792’E
  • (I) 22 deg. 20.736’N / 113 deg. 57.661’E
  • (J) 22 deg. 20.775’N / 113 deg. 57.401’E

Area 3: This area is bounded by straight lines joining the following co-ordinates (WGS 84 Datum) from (K) to (N):

  • (K) 22 deg. 20.868’N / 113 deg. 58.908’E
  • (L) 22 deg. 20.868’N / 113 deg. 59.042’E
  • (M) 22 deg. 20.793’N / 113 deg. 59.042’E
  • (N) 22 deg. 20.792’N / 113 deg. 58.908’E

One flat top barge 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 the barge. Yellow marker buoys fitted with yellow flashing lights will be laid to mark the positions of the anchors extending from the barge.

The hours of works will be from 0700 to 1900 hours. No works will be carried out on Sundays and public holidays. Vessels employed for the works will not stay in the works area outside the hours of works.

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.96 of 2012 dated 29 June 2012

DATE: June 29, 2012 – COUNTRY: Hong Kong – PORT: Hong Kong – Laying of Cross Harbour Water Pipeline

For approximately three months, marine works involving back-filling, diving operations and sounding surveys will be carried out within the works area bounded by the shore and straight lines joining the following co-ordinates (WSG 84 Datum) from (A) to (B) and (C) to (E):-

  • (A) 22 deg. 18.094’N / 114 deg. 09.258’E
  • (B) 22 deg. 17.437’N / 114 deg. 08.535’E
  • (C) 22 deg. 17.420’N / 114 deg. 08.345’E
  • (D) 22 deg. 18.255’N / 114 deg. 09.259’E
  • (E) 22 deg. 18.255’N / 114 deg. 09.292’E

The works will be carried out by a flotilla of vessels including three derrick lighters. One tug, two guard boats and one motor boat will provide assistance. The number of vessels engaged in the works will change from time to time to suit operational requirements.

A working area of approximately 65 metres around the derrick lighter will be established. Yellow marker buoys with yellow flashing lights will be laid to mark the positions of the anchors extending from the derrick lighters.

The hours of work will be round-the-clock.

Diving Operations will be carried out from time to time during the hours of works.

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

Vessels navigating in the vicinity should proceed with caution and keep clear at slow speed bearing in mind there are divers working in the area.

(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.98 of 2012 dated 29 June 2012

DATE: June 29, 2012 – COUNTRY: Hong Kong – PORT: Hong Kong – Dredging works north of Urmston Road Anchorage

For approximately 2 months, dredging operations will be carried out [north of Urmston Road Anchorage] within the area bounded by straight lines joining the following co-ordinates (WGS84 Datum) from (A) to (D):

  • (A) 22 deg. 25.200’N / 113 deg. 52.499’E
  • (B) 22 deg. 25.513’N / 113 deg. 53.585’E
  • (C) 22 deg. 25.306’N / 113 deg. 53.654’E
  • (D) 22 deg. 24.993’N / 113 deg. 52.569’E

The works will be carried out by one grab dredger. Two hopper barges, one derrick barge and five work boats will assist in the works. The number of vessels engaged in the works will change from time to time to suit operational requirements.

A working area of approximately 100 metres around the grab dredger will be established. Yellow marker buoys fitted with yellow flashing lights will be laid to mark the positions of the anchors extending from the dredger. The hours of works will be round-the-clock.

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.97 of 2012 dated 29 June 2012

DATE: June 29, 2012 – COUNTRY: Singapore – PORT: all ports – Merchant Shipping (Safety Convention) (Amendment) regulations 

The Merchant Shipping (Safety Convention)(Amendment) Regulations, 2012 comes into effect on 1 July 2012.

These Regulations put into effect the amendments to the regulations annexed to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 (SOLAS 74) adopted by Resolutions MSC.308(88) and MSC.309(88)….

…The significant changes brought about by the amendments are —

a. Regulation 41 of Chapter II-1: Application date. The present regulation (Main source of electrical power and lighting systems) is amended to include the date of application (1 July 2010).

b. Regulations 1 and 3 of Chapter II-2: International Code for Application of Fire Test Procedures, 2010 (2010 FTP Code). The amended SOLAS Regulation 3 gives mandatory effect to the International Code for the Application of Fire Test Procedures, 2010 (2010 FTP Code). The 2010 FTP Code provides the international requirements for laboratory testing, type-approval and fire test procedures for products referenced under SOLAS chapter II-2. It comprehensively revised the existing Code adopted by the MSC in 1996, and enhanced its uniform application. Consequential amendments are made to application dates in Regulation 1.

c. Regulation 7 of Chapter II-2: Fire detection and alarm for Incinerator rooms. Resolution MEPC.76(40), Standard Specifications for Shipboard Incinerators, adopted by the MEPC in 1997, has a requirement that an enclosed space containing an incinerator should be fitted with a fire detection and alarm system. For consistency, the present amendment to SOLAS regulation II-2/7.4.1 requires a fixed fire detection and fire alarm system for the protection of enclosed incinerator spaces.

d. Regulation 18 of Chapter V: Annual Test of AIS. The Automatic Identification System (AIS) is categorized as a shipborne navigational safety equipment, but it is in fact also an electronic VHF transceiver. Thus, during the annual survey of the safety equipment on board, the attending surveyor may fail to detect electronic faults in the AIS equipment, unless he is trained in the field of electronics and uses an appropriate measuring instrument. The new regulation specifically requires the AIS to be tested annually (in addition to survey) by a competent person, e.g. a radio surveyor.

e. Regulation 23 of Chapter V: Pilot Transfer Arrangements. Arising from concerns over pilots’ loss of life or serious injury suffered by pilots in the course of transferring to ships, the IMO has adopted amendments to SOLAS regulation V/23 and resolution A.889(21) on Pilot transfer arrangements to improve the safety of pilot transfer operation using ladders and puts a ban on the use of equipment such as mechanical hoists. The related Assembly resolution A.889(21) on performance standards has been superseded by a new resolution at A27 (A.1045(27)) (see Shipping Circular no. 4 of 2012).

Copies of the Merchant Shipping (Safety Convention)(Amendment) Regulations, 2012 (Government Gazette No. S284/2012) may be purchased at: Toppan Leefung Pte Ltd Legal Publication Great World City East Tower, #18-01/06 1, Kim Seng Promenade Singapore 237994 Tel: 6826 9691 Fax: 6820 3341 e-mail: legalpub@toppanleefung.com website: www.toppanleefung.com/webshop Mon–Fri: 9.30am–6pm Sat, Sun and Public Holidays: Closed.

(For information about operations in Singapore contact GAC Singapore at singapore@gac.com)

Source: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore Port Marine Shipping Circular to Ship Owners No.11 of 2012 dated 29 June 2012

DATE: June 29, 2012 – COUNTRY: Hong Kong – PORT: all ports Safety of mid-stream container handling

A Chinese registered river trade vessel (RTV) was engaged in loading some empty containers at the berth of a container yard employing the derrick crane of a dumb steel lighter (DSL). A slingload of two empty containers was being] loaded into the cargo hold of the RTV. To stop the spinning of the containers in suspension the derrick crane operator maneuvered the containers to rest against the port side bulkhead of the cargo hold.

Seeing this movement of the slingload a member of the crew assumed the containers were to be lowered to the empty space at the port fore corner of the cargo hold and started to climb down the cargo hold from the deck at the starboard fore corner of the coaming preparing to disengage the lifting hooks from the incoming containers. When the crew member was climbing down the cargo hold he had to turn his body around and could not see the subsequent movements of the slingload.

Unfortunately at this moment, not realizing someone was climbing down the cargohold, the derrick operator slewed the slingload towards the foremost starboard corner of the cargo hold where he intended to land the containers and it crushed the descending crew member between the containers and the cargo hold coaming. The crew member sustained serious injury and later died in hospital.

While the investigation into the accident is still in progress, preliminary findings revealed that the cause of the accident was attributed to a lack of communication between the DSL crane operator and the RTV crew. To prevent recurrence of similar accidents, persons in charge of works and all persons engaged in mid-stream container handling, especially derrick crane operators, stevedores and crewmembers of coastal-going vessels are urged to observe the following safety precautions:

– No person should stay in the probable travelling path of a suspending cargo load to avoid injury caused by its unexpected movement.

– Proper ladder should be used when accessing to and from a cargohold.

– The sequence of loading/discharging containers should be agreed by both parties before cargo work begin.

– The practice of lifting two or more containers in one slingload should be avoided as far as possible.

Further guidance on safe working practices for shipboard container handling is given in the Code of Practice on Shipboard Container Handling on Local Vessels issued by the Marine Department, and is available for download at the following website address: http://www.mardep.gov.hk/en/pub_services/ocean/miss_cop548.html.

(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.94 of 2012

DATE: June 29, 2012  -COUNTRY: Singapore – PORT: Singapore –  Mangrove biodiversity protection & restoration works

The working period for coastal protection and restoration of mangrove biodiversity at Pulau Tekong has been extended.

According to the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore’s Port Marine Notice No.85 of 2012 dated 28 January 2012, the works will be conducted 24 hours daily – including Sundays & Public Holidays – from 4 July 2012 to 3 January 2013, within the working area bounded by the following coordinates (WGS 84 Datum):

  • A)  01° 25.841’N / 104° 03.642’E
  • B)  01° 25.945’N / 104° 03.685’E
  • C)  01° 25.905’N / 104° 03.782’E
  • D)  01° 25.879’N / 104° 03.859’E
  • E)  01° 25.796’N / 104° 04.028’E
  • F)  01° 25.780’N / 104° 04.085’E
  • G)  01° 25.726’N / 104° 04.218’E
  • H)  01° 25.674’N / 104° 04.301’E
  • I)  01° 25.643’N / 104° 04.347’E
  • J)  01° 25.545’N / 104° 04.460’E
  • K)  01° 25.513’N / 104° 04.520’E
  •  L1) 01° 25.375’N / 104° 04.707’E
  • M1) 01° 25.272’N / 104° 04.636’E
  • N)  01° 25.519’N / 104° 04.363’E
  • O)  01° 25.612’N / 104° 04.214’E
  • P)  01° 25.648’N / 104° 04.128’E
  • Q)  01° 25.709’N / 104° 03.965’E
  • R)  01° 25.784’N / 104° 03.820’E
  • S)  01° 25.799’N / 104° 03.760’E

Coastal protection and restoration of mangrove biodiversity works will entail installation of wooden piles, filing of existing berm with biodegradable sacks and shoreline stabilization using stones.

The protection and restoration works will be carried out by work boat “DHI Explorer III” and “DHI Explorer 5”.

A safety boat will be in attendance throughout the duration of the construction works to warn other craft of the works in the vicinity.

Craft involved in the works will exhibit the appropriate local and international day and night signals.

When in the vicinity of the working area, mariners are reminded to:

  • (a) Keep well clear and not to enter the working area;
  • (b) Maintain a proper lookout;
  • (c) Proceed at a safe speed & navigate with caution;
  • (d) Maintain a listening watch on VHF channel 21 (Sembawang Control); and
  • (e) Communicate with Sembawang Control on VHF 21 for assistance, if required.

For information about operations in Singapore contact GAC Singapore at singapore@gac.com

DATE: June 29, 2012 – COUNTRY: Australia – PORT: Gladstone – Towage strike suspended

The planned towage strike at Gladstone has been suspended for three weeks to allow for negotiations. Normal towage services will therefore continue.

The Maritime Union of Australia, the Maritime Officers Union and the Australian Institute of Marine and Power Engineers had planned to strike from 1900 hours today (29 June) against the port’s tug boat operator.

All parties in the dispute have now agreed to voluntary conciliation in Fair Work Australia.

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

DATE: June 29, 2012 Bunker Update: GAC MARKET PRICE UPDATE

Middle East

  • Qatar  IFO380:  0 IFO180:  0 MDO: 0 MGO: 915
  • Salalah IFO380:  645 IFO180: 685 MDO: 0 MGO: 1190

Indian Subcontinent

Mumbai IFO380:  589.5 IFO180:  602.2 MDO: 0 MGO: 966.5

Egypt & Mediterranean

  • Istanbul  IFO380:  590.5 IFO180:  611.5 MDO: 0 MGO: 877.5
  • Malta LS  IFO380:  650.5 IFO180:  671.5 MDO: 0 MGO: 0

Europe & Africa

  • Durban  IFO380:  0 IFO180:  618.5 MDO: 1104.5 MGO: 0

Americas

  • Rio de Janeiro  IFO380:  585.5 IFO180: 609 MDO: 0 MGO: 890

Asia Pacific

  • Busan  IFO380:  585 IFO180:  600 MDO: 870 MGO: 870
  • Hong Kong  IFO380:  589.5 IFO180: 590.5 MDO: 809.5 MGO: 812.5
  • Kaohsiung  IFO380:  637 IFO180:  649 MDO: 1040 MGO: 893
  • Shanghai  IFO380:  609.5 IFO180: 621.5 MDO: 0 MGO: 1031.5
  • Singapore  IFO380: 569.5 IFO180:  580.5 MDO: 880 MGO: 849.5

For any questions relating to the above or any otherbunkering matters, contact GAC Bunker Fuels on Tel +44-20-8749 7355 (24 hours) or by e-mail: bunker.gb@gac.com bunker.ae@gac.com bunker.sa@gac.com bunker.sg@gac.com bunker.eg@gac.com

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