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In this HOT PORT NEWS, read about:
* United Kingdom, Eastham – New information for Eastham Channel
* Hong Kong, Hong Kong – Marine Site Investigation off Sha Tau Kok
* Australia, Port Kembla – Severe weather
DATE: October 11, 2012 COUNTRY: United Kingdom PORT: Eastham New information for Eastham Channel
A new chart for Eastham Channel was issued by Port Authority. The Apro River Pilot pod Master has studied the new chart and has confirmed the below for Eastham Channel:
The following now applies until further notice:
Stanlow approaches: Minus -0.60 m off Tide height – (allows for 0.60 m UKC)
QEII Eastham approaches: Minus -0.60 m off Tide height – (allows for 0.60 m UKC) – (For larger Vessels with LOA around 175 M: Minus –0.90 m off Tide height)
A pilot consultation is required before loading, to confirm permitted maximum drafts.
Dredging is taking place on a regular basis in Eastham Channel and a Survey Boat is in regularly in attendance in order to take the latest soundings and issue a new chart.
For information about operations in the UK contact GAC UK at uk@gac.com
DATE: October 11, 2012 – COUNTRY: Hong Kong – PORT: Hong Kong – Marine Site Investigation off Sha Tau Kok
For approximately two weeks, marine site investigation works will be carried out [off Sha Tau Kok] within the area bounded by straight lines joining the following co-ordinates (WGS 84 Datum) from (A) to (G) and the adjacent shoreline: (A) 22 deg. 32.620’N / 114 deg. 13.386’E (B) 22 deg. 32.562’N / 114 deg. 13.423’E (C) 22 deg. 32.516’N / 114 deg. 13.312’E (D) 22 deg. 32.427’N / 114 deg. 13.300’E (E) 22 deg. 32.431’N / 114 deg. 13.265’E (F) 22 deg. 32.566’N / 114 deg. 13.284’E (G) 22 deg. 32.580’N / 114 deg. 13.310’E
The works will be carried out by one flat top pontoon. One tug and two work boats will provide assistance.
A working area of approximately 15 metres around the pontoon will be established. Yellow marker buoys fitted with yellow flashing lights will be laid to mark the positions of the anchors extending from the pontoon.
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.143 of 2012
DATE: October 11, 2012 – COUNTRY: Australia – PORT: Port Kembla – Severe weather
Due to severe weather conditions, strong gale and storm warning forecast for the next few days, Port Kembla Harbour Master has ordered the anchorage to be cleared and for all ships to proceed to sea and remain more than 12NM off the coast.
Present indications are that the anchorage will be closed until at least Sunday (14 October).
Further, due to the severity of the weather forecast, the port will most likely close this evening (Thursday 11 October) at 1800 hours, until further notice.
The port is expected to be closed for approximately 24-36 hours – possibly until the night of Friday 12 October or early Saturday 13 October.
The Harbour Master will monitor and re-assess the situation depending on the weather conditions experienced and forecasts over the next 24-48 hours.
Conditions will be re-assessed by the Harbour Master tomorrow morning (Friday 12 October).
For information about operations in Australia contact GAC Australia at shipping.australia@gacworld.
