Your daily news service from ports around the world.
In this HOT PORT NEWS, read about: * Worldwide – Possible surveillance of commercial shipping & use fo false identities * United Kingdom, Teesport – Jetty modification work: Phase 2 * United States, all ports – Asian Gypsy Moth inspections * United States, Mississippi River, Louisiana – Navigation closures for dredging * Singapore, Singapore – Acoustic research at St. John Island * Singapore, Singapore – Prohibition of vessels anchoring at Eastern Anchorage * Bunker Update – GAC MARKET PRICE UPDATE 03/08/12
DATE: August 03, 2012 – COUNTRY: Worldwide – Possible surveillance of commercial shipping & use fo false identities
Commercial vessels are reporting potential surveillance by unknown entities while in transit of the Gulf of Oman, Strait of Hormuz and Arabian Gulf.
In one recent case, a vessel was asked its crew complement and master’s name, purportedly by a named vessel that was in fact operating elsewhere under the new name it has borne since 2011.
ONI [the Office of Naval Intelligence] cannot assess at this time whether the queries originated ashore or from vessels within the Gulf, but none is known to have been made by the vessel to which it was attributed.
Although these queries are not in themselves hostile, they are potential evidence of enhanced surveillance and could be a prelude to more specific interference; mariners are advised to be cautious about responding to them.
Detailed information about all such events should be reported to appropriate authorities including the Maritime Liaison Office Bahrain (MARLO Bahrain; marlo.bahrain@me.navy.mil; Daytime Tel: +973-17-85-3925, ) and U.K. Maritime Trade Office (UKMTO; ukmto@eim.ae or OpsRmSup@ukmto.mod.uk; TEL: +011-971-50-552-3215).
(For information about operations worldwide contact the respective GAC office. Details may be found in the “Contact” section of www.gac.com)
Source: Office of Naval Intelligence advisory dated 3 August – via Maritime Liaison Office Bahrain (MARLO Bahrain)
DATE: August 03, 2012 – COUNTRY: United Kingdom – PORT: Teesport – Jetty modification work: Phase 2
The second phase of essential modification work on Vopak Jetty 3 will take place from 08:00 on 9 August to 17:00 on 10 August.
During this period, the following restrictions will be in place:
08:00-17:00 on 9 August – Non-hazardous products can be handled whilst work is on-going.
17:00 on 9 August-08:00 on 10 August – Any products can be handled.
08:00-17:00 on 10 August – Non-hazardous products can be handled whilst work is on-going.
17:00 on 10 August – Return to normal service.
During this time all vessels should preferably use their own crane. If they do not have an operational crane then they should request use of a crane from the terminal in advance via their agent. There will be no additional costs for this.
The below link provides all the latest depths and navigational information for the ports of Tees and Hartlepool.
For information about operations in the UK contact GAC UK at uk@gac.com
DATE: August 03, 2012 – COUNTRY: United States – PORT: all ports – Asian Gypsy Moth inspections
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a joint US-Canadian bulletin regarding an increase in the number of incidents where Asian Gypsy Moth (AGM) live egg masses have been found on vessels entering US and Canadian Ports.
Such vessels are subject being expelled from port until all egg masses are removed from the vessel.
The joint US-Canada bulletin provides guidance for vessels arriving at US or Canadian Ports.
If the arriving vessel visited ports in China, Korea, Japan and Far East Russia ANYTIME during period of May through September, the following measures are required:
1. Vessels must obtain pre-departure certification and forward a copy of the CERTIFICATION that the vessel is free of Asian Gypsy Moth life stages to their U.S or Canadian agents. The inspections should be performed as close to departure time from the regulated port as possible.
2. Shipping lines are to perform intensive vessel self-inspections to look for, remove (scrape off), and properly destroy all egg masses and other life stages of AGM prior to entering U.S. and Canadian ports to avoid facing inspection delays; re-routing and other potential impacts associated with mitigating the risk on entry to North America. All vessels should, five days prior to arrival at its first US or Canadian port, perform their own comprehensive self-inspection according to the GYPSY MOTH INSPECTION POCKET GUIDE and confirm to the agents whether their vessel is free of any infestation.
3. At least two days prior to the vessel’s arrival to please forward to agent a copy of the vessel’s voyage memo in order agents may provide to the local U.S. and Canadian inspectors an opportunity to review the vessel’s history of ports and dates.
It is the responsibility of the shipping lines to meet all requirements for entry to the US and Canada for freedom from AGM and other pest concerns. This is turning into a season where AGM populations in Northeast Asia are considered to be high.
The USDA strongly urges maritime interests to take all possible precautions.
For information about operations in the USA and Canada contact the GAC Houston Hub Agency Centre at hub.us@gac.com
DATE: August 03, 2012 – COUNTRY: United States – PORT: Mississippi River, Louisiana – Navigation closures for dredging
Additional navigation closures at Missouri Bend (MM 219 – 224, LMR) are needed to complete the extensive dredging operations needed in that area.
The first 48-hour closure period is tentatively scheduled to begin at 0600, this Saturday morning, August 4th.
Here is the ‘TENTATIVE’ schedule closures. Again, this navigation closure is only for the LMR between MM 210 – 224, LMR, AHOP.
0600 August 4th–0600 August 6th ——————————- Closed : 0600 Aug 4th to 1800 Aug 4th *Open (Limited): 1800 Aug 4th to 0600 Aug 5th Closed : 0600 Aug 5th to 1800 Aug 5th *Open (Limited): 1800 Aug 5th to 0600 Aug 6th
* The river will be open to shallow vessel traffic (tug and barge) or until the queue has been cleared. Once the queue is cleared, then the Wallace McGeorge may continue operations.
From 0600 Aug 6th, until 0600 Aug 8th, the river will be open to ALL vessel traffic on the LMR.
0600 August 8th–0600 August 10th ——————————– Closed : 0600 Aug 8th to 1800 Aug 8th *Open (Limited): 1800 Aug 8th to 0600 Aug 9th Closed : 0600 Aug 9th to 1800 Aug 9th *Open (Limited): 1800 Aug 9th to 0600 Aug 10th
* The river will be open to shallow vessel traffic (tug and barge) or until the queue has been cleared. Once the queue is cleared, then the Wallace McGeorge may continue operations.
From 0600 Aug 10th, until 0600 Aug 12th, the river will be open to ALL vessel traffic on the LMR.
0600 August 12th–0600 August 14th ——————————— Closed : 0600 Aug 12th to 1800 Aug 12th *Open (Limited): 1800 Aug 12th to 0600 Aug 13th Closed : 0600 Aug 13th to 1800 Aug 13th *Open (Limited): 1800 Aug 13th to 0600 Aug 14th
* The river will be open to shallow vessel traffic (tug and barge) or until the queue has been cleared. Once the queue is cleared, then the Wallace McGeorge may continue operations.
(For information about operations in the USA contact GAC USA at usa@gac.com)
Source: Louisiana Maritime Association (LAMA)
DATE: August 03, 2012 – COUNTRY: Singapore – PORT: Singapore – Acoustic research at St. John Island
The working period for acoustic research work off St. John Island has been extended.
According to the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore’s Port Marine Notice No.109 of 2012 dated 3 August 2012, the work will be conducted from 1000 to 1700 hours on weekdays from 6 August to 30 October, within the working area bounded by the following coordinates (WGS 84 Datum): 1) 01° 13.033’N / 103° 51.088’E 2) 01° 13.077’N / 103° 51.187’E 3) 01° 12.920’N / 103° 51.256’E 4) 01° 12.848’N / 103° 51.113’E
The daily experiments will be done by deploying Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs).
A safety boat will be deployed in the vicinity to warn other craft to keep clear of the working area.
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 68 (West Control); and (e) Communicate with West Control on VHF 68 for assistance, if required.
For information about operations in Singapore contact GAC Singapore at singapore@gac.com
DATE: August 03, 2012 – COUNTRY: Singapore – PORT: Singapore – Prohibition of vessels anchoring at Eastern Anchorage
Pursuant to Reg 45 (2) of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (Port) Regulations, the Port Master hereby prohibits all vessels from anchoring in the demarcated area at the Eastern Anchorage (AEW). This prohibition shall take effect on 09 Aug 12 (Thursday) from 1500hrs to 2300hrs.
The demarcated area is bounded by the following coordinates: 1) 01° 17.227’N / 103° 53.014’E 2) 01° 16.990’N / 103° 53.192’E 3) 01° 16.698’N / 103° 53.093’E 4) 01° 16.280’N / 103° 52.940’E 5) 01° 15.980’N / 103° 52.600’E 6) 01° 15.862’N / 103° 52.181’E 7) 01° 15.780’N / 103° 51.750’E 8) 01° 16.178’N / 103° 51.750’E
Vessels that are currently anchored within the demarcated area are required to shift out of the area by 0900hrs on the day mentioned above.
(For information about operations in Singapore contact GAC Singapore at singapore@gac.com)
Source: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore Port Marine Notice No.107 of 2012 dated 1 August 2012
DATE: August 03, 2012 Bunker Update: GAC MARKET PRICE UPDATE 03/08/12
Middle East
- Qatar IFO380: 0 IFO180: 0 MDO: 0 MGO: 920
- Salalah IFO380: 685 IFO180: 715 MDO: 0 MGO: 1120
Indian Subcontinent
- Mumbai IFO380: 643.5 IFO180: 658.5 MDO: 0 MGO: 1075
Egypt & Mediterranean
- Istanbul IFO380: 630.5 IFO180: 641.5 MDO: 0 MGO: 943.5
- Malta LS IFO380: 706.5 IFO180: 739.5 MDO: 0 MGO: 924.5
Europe & Africa
- Durban IFO380: 0 IFO180: 642.5 MDO: 1097.5 MGO: 0
Americas
- Rio de Janeiro IFO380: 631.5 IFO180: 655 MDO: 0 MGO: 990
Asia Pacific
- Busan IFO380: 640 IFO180: 655 MDO: 925 MGO: 935
- Hong Kong IFO380: 655.5 IFO180: 659.5 MDO: 921 MGO: 924
- Kaohsiung IFO380: 678 IFO180: 690 MDO: 950 MGO: 965
- Shanghai IFO380: 638.5 IFO180: 651 MDO: 0 MGO: 1043.5
- Singapore IFO380: 636.5 IFO180: 649.5 MDO: 934.5 MGO: 939.5
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
