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Hot Port News from GAC

by admin

GAC-newYour daily news service from ports around the world.

In this HOT PORT NEWS, read about:
* Worldwide – World Holidays: 14-27 July 2013
* Singapore, Singapore – Underwater drilling & blasting works
* Panama, Panama Canal – Cancellation of Pedro Miguel Locks maintenance

DATE: July 13, 2013
COUNTRY: Worldwide
World Holidays: 14-27 July 2013

Public holidays around the world in the coming two weeks include the following:
Sun 14 Jul – Bastille Day (France)
Mon 15 Jul – Marine Day (Japan)
Mon 22 Jul – Esala Full Moon Poya Day (Sri Lanka)
Mon 22 Jul – Asarnha Bucha Day (Thailand)
Tue 23 Jul – 23rd Revolution Day (Egypt)

For information about operations around the world contact the respective GAC office. Details may be found in the ‘Contacts’ section of www.gac.com

DATE: July 13, 2013
COUNTRY: Singapore
PORT: Singapore
Underwater drilling & blasting works

The working area for underwater drilling and blasting works at Pasir Panjang Terminal, Phase 3 & 4, has been revised. The work will now be conducted from 13 July to 20 August.

According to the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore’s Port Marine Notice No.92 of 2013, the works will be carried out in the vicinity of Pasir Panjang Terminal and Pasir Panjang Wharves, within the working area bounded by the following co-ordinates (WGS 84 Datum):

Blasting Area Sector B
1) 1 deg. 16.585’N / 103 deg. 46.672’E
2) 1 deg. 16.472’N / 103 deg. 46.748’E
3) 1 deg. 16.425’N / 103 deg. 46.754’E
4) 1 deg. 16.504’N / 103 deg. 46.624’E

Blasting Area Sector D2
1) 1 deg. 16.568’N / 103 deg. 46.683’E
2) 1 deg. 16.472’N / 103 deg. 46.748’E
3) 1 deg. 16.313’N / 103 deg. 46.769’E
4) 1 deg. 16.385’N / 103 deg. 46.649’E
5) 1 deg. 16.482’N / 103 deg. 46.632’E

Drilling will be carried out 24hrs daily, including Sundays.

Blasting will be carried daily in accordance to the following schedule
except on Sundays:
1. 0800hrs – 0900hrs
2. 1200hrs – 1400hrs
3. 1630hrs – 1830hrs

Prior to the commencement of drilling and blasting works in Sector B blasting Area, only vessel of not more than 200m LOA is allowed to berth at P25-P26 (WM 1010 and above).

Prior to the commencement of drilling and blasting works in Sector D2 blasting Area, only vessel of not more than 230m LOA is allowed to berth at P25-P26 (WM 935 and above).

Underwater drilling and blasting works will be carried out by work barge,  Orion 84, held in position by 4-point anchor winch/wire spread. Orion 84 will have a circular safety working zone in accordance to the Explosive Safety Regulations centered at the barge.

During the operation, Orion 84 shall be attended to by anchor/tug boats.

Storage of explosives will be on board a licensed Explosive Lighter Barge guarded by Armed Protection Officers (APOs) at all times.

Safety boats will be in attendance at all times to warn and re-direct craft in the vicinity to keep clear of the on-going underwater drilling and blasting work area.

The following Blast Warning Procedure will be adopted for each underwater blasting operation:
a) All personnel will be evacuated from the danger zone prior to blasting operations;
b) APOs in Safety Boats will cordon off the blasting area 30mins prior to commencement of blasting operations;
c) Two (2) prolonged horn blasts will be sounded 15mins prior to commencement of blasting operations;
d) Red Flag will be hoisted to warn mariners 5 mins prior to commencement of blasting operations;
e) Three (3) short horn blasts will be sounded 5 mins prior to commencement of blasting operations;
f) Four (4) short horn blasts will be sounded immediately prior to blasting operations – blast is initiated on fourth (4th) horn blast;
g) One (1) prolonged horn blasts will be sounded after the completion of blasting operations;
and
h) Red Flag will be lowered to signal the completion of blasting operations.

Craft 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 and navigate with caution;
(d) comply with the instructions from Pasir Panjang Control and the APO craft at the scene;
(e) cease all underwater diving activities within a radius of 144 metres from the perimeter of the working area during the periods of blasting;
(f) maintain a listening watch on VHF Channel 25; and
(g) communicate with Pasir Panjang Control on VHF Channel 25 for assistance, if required.

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

DATE: July 13, 2013
COUNTRY: Panama
PORT: Panama Canal
Cancellation of Pedro Miguel Locks maintenance

The lane outage announced in Advisory to Shipping A-17-2013 for miter gate maintenance work at Pedro Miguel Locks for Tuesday, July 16 and Thursday,  July 18 2013 is hereby cancelled. The ongoing culvert outage at Miraflores Locks will continue as scheduled.

As a result, and in accordance with the rules governing the Transit Reservsation System, Condiiton 1.a. will remain in effect from July 13 to July 19, 2013.

(For information about operations in the Panama Canal contact GAC-Wilford & McKay at gac-wilfordmckay.panama@gac.com)

Source: Panama Canal Authority Advisory to Shipping No.A-18-2013 dated 11 July 2013

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