Your daily news service from ports around the world.
In this HOT PORT NEWS, read about:
* Germany, Kiel Canal – Lock chamber out of service
* United States, Delaware River – Ice Condition III set
* Singapore, Singapore – Pulau Ubin shoreline restoration work
* Egypt, Suez – Curfew hours reduced
DATE: February 01, 2013 COUNTRY: Germany PORT: Kiel Canal – Lock chamber out of service
Kiel Canal Authorities have announced that the new big south lock chamber at Brunsbuttel will be taken out of service during the day on Monday (4 February).
The new big north lock chamber and both old locks chambers remain in service.
Due to repair works the new big north lock chamber will be out of service from 5 to 7 February. During this period, only vessels up to a LOA of 205, 00 metres will be accepted for transit as the new south lock chamber is available with limited capacity.
(For information about operations in Germany contatc the GAC UK Hub Agency Centre at hub.gb@gac.com)
Source: Sartori & Berger – GAC agent
DATE: February 01, 2013 COUNTRY: United States PORT: Delaware River – Ice Condition III set
The Captain of the Port (COTP) Sector Delaware Bay is notifying mariners that Ice Condition III has been set for the Port ICW.
This means that weather conditions are favourable for the formation of ice in the navigable waters. All masters, ship agents, owners and operators of all vessels, marine facilities and marinas should review and adhere to the following procedures:
* When ice is present, but less than 2 inches, vessels must have a propulsion system with a minimum of 1000 horsepower, and be able to maneuver unassisted through the ice without needing to stop, back off and ram the ice.
* Vessel moorings should be checked frequently to ensure the vessel is adequately moored.
* Vessels at anchor should maintain their engines on standby at all times.
* Vessel sea chests should be checked regularly for ice buildup and precautions should be taken to ensure that the sea chests are kept clear.
* Vessels at anchor should ensure that proper bridge watches are stood at all times.
* The COTP Sector Delaware Bay may establish additional requirements for specific geographic areas of the COTP Zone if conditions warrant such restrictions.
(For informaiton about operations in the USA contact GAC USA at usa@gac.com)
Source: U.S. Coast Guard Sector Delaware
DATE: February 01, 2013 COUNTRY: Singapore PORT: Singapore – Pulau Ubin shoreline restoration work
The working period for restoration work being carried out along the shoreline of Pulau Ubin has been extended. The work will now continue until 22 July.
According to the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore’s Port Marine Notice No.13 of 2013, the works are being conducted 24 hours daily including – Sundays & Public Holidays – within two working areas bounded by the following coordinates (WGS 84 Datum):
1) 01 deg. 25.61’N / 103 deg. 55.83’E
2) 01 deg. 25.56’N / 103 deg. 55.84’E
3) 01 deg. 25.04’N / 103 deg. 57.59’E
4) 01 deg. 25.09’N / 103 deg. 57.60’E
&
5) 01 deg. 25.13’N / 103 deg. 58.48’E
6) 01 deg. 25.07’N / 103 deg. 58.49’E
7) 01 deg. 25.08’N / 103 deg. 59.29’E
8) 01 deg. 25.14’N / 103 deg. 59.28’E
The restoration works will entail topping up of sand/stone in the revetment and construction activities.
The works will be carried out by excavators from the landward side and the materials for the restoration works will be provided by the work barges.
A safety boat will be deployed in the vicinity of the working area to warn other craft to keep clear of the operations.
Craft involved in the works will exhibit the appropriate local and international day and night signals.
When in the vicinity of the working areas, mariners are reminded to:
a) keep well clear and not to enter the working areas;
b) maintain a proper lookout;
c) proceed at a safe speed and navigate with caution;
d) maintain a listening watch on VHF Channel 21 (Sembawang Control);
and
e) communicate with Sembawang Control on VHF Channel 21 for assistance, if required.
(For information about operations in Singapore contact GAC Singapore at singapore@gac.com)
DATE: February 01, 2013 COUNTRY: Egypt PORT: Suez – Curfew hours reduced
The curfew announced in the Egyptian cities of Suez, Ismailia and Port Said have been reduced after the country’s President gave the Governor of each city the power to set the curfew according to the degree of stability in each city.
In Suez and Ismailia, the curfew is now in place for just three hours, from 0200 to 0500 hours daily. In Port Said, the curfew is for four hours.
The States of Emergency declared on 27 January remains in effect.
For information about operations in and around the Suez Canal, contact GAC Egypt at suezcanal@gac.com
