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Hot Port News from GAC

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

In this HOT PORT NEWS, read about:
* Worldwide – World Holidays: 20 October-2 November 2013
* United States, Baltimore, Maryland – ILA Strike Update (19 October)
* United States, all ports – Right whale migration & calving season

DATE: October 19, 2013
COUNTRY: Worldwide
World Holidays: 20 October-2 November 2013

Public holidays around the world in the coming two weeks include the
following:
Wed 23 Oct – Chulalongkorn Day (Thailand)
Sun 27 Oct – Independence Day (Turkmenistan)
Mon 28 Oct – Foundation of Independent Czech republic
Mon 28 Oct – Greek National Holiday (“Ochi Day”)
Mon 28 Oct – New Zealand Labour Day
Mon 28 Oct – Non-Working Holiday for Barangay & Sangguniang Kabataan
Elections (Philippines)
Tue 29 Oct – Turkey Republic Day
Fri 1 Nov – All Saints’ Day
Fri 1 Nov – Anniversary of the Revolution (Algeria)
Sat 2 Nov-Sun 3 Nov – Deepavali/ /Diwali

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: October 19, 2013
COUNTRY: United States
PORT: Baltimore, Maryland
ILA Strike Update (19 October)

The Steamship Trade Association has advised that Master Contract cargo can
now be worked at the Port of Baltimore, as of 1 pm yesterday (18 October).

Master Contract cargo includes containers and roll on/roll off vessels.
Auto and Forest Product vessels are handled by Local 333 under Local
Contract terms and are not yet being worked as negotiations continue.
Forest products already physically located in warehouses are handled by
Local 1429 and can be loaded to railcars and trucks for delivery to
customers.

This does not mean the work stoppage is completely over.  The STA and Local
333 are still in negotiations regarding Local Contract terms.  However this
is a very positive sign moving forward.

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

DATE: October 19, 2013
COUNTRY: United States
PORT: all ports
Right whale migration & calving season

The right whale migration and calving season will soon begin along the
Atlantic seaboard. The Mid-Atlantic Seasonal Management Areas and the
associated speed restrictions of 10 knots will become effective for
Mid-Atlantic coast ports from Long Island Sound to Savannah on November 1,
2013 and will remain in place through April 30, 2014.

The Southeast U.S. Seasonal Management Area which includes the ports of
Brunswick, Fernandina and Jacksonville, will become effective on November
15, 2013 and will remain in place through April 15, 2014.

Specific dimensions for the Seasonal Management Area and the applicable
rules are available on NOAA Fisheries Service Compliance Guide along with
additional important information from NOAA at
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/shipstrike/

In addition to the speed restrictions, vessels of 300 GT or greater
operating into the ports of Brunswick, Fernandina and Jacksonville must
also comply with the Mandatory Ship Reporting System rules starting on
November 15th. MSR requirements will remain in effect through April 15,
2014.

Starting November 15th and running through April 15, 2014, mariners are
strongly encouraged to utilize the recommended two-way routes to reduce the
likelihood of vessel strikes in those areas where routes have been
established in the Southeast Seasonal Management Area off Brunswick,
Fernandina and Jacksonville.

Right whale sightings from survey aircraft can be distributed to maritime
interests by port region. To protect whales from curious boaters, these
sighting alerts are not available to the public. However, if you have
direct vessel management/navigational responsibilities we can include your
office, dispatch center or vessel on the sighting distribution….

….In addition to the web based information above, NOAA Fisheries Service
has prepared “Shipboard Right Whale Protection Program” loose-leaf notebook
that includes general guidelines for vessels operating where right whales
may be present and includes the latest version of the “Prudent Mariner’s
Guide to Right Whale Protection” CD. Copies of these notebooks are
available at the Maritime Associations in Savannah and Charleston, the
Marine Exchange in Jacksonville, and at Coast Guard Sector Wilmington,
NC….

….The successful recovery of the North Atlantic Right Whale is dependent
on the continued support and vigilance of the commercial maritime
community. Thank you for your continued protection of these remarkable
animals.

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

Source: Right Whale/Shipping Industry Liaison National Marine Fisheries
Service (SE) letter

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