Disturbances and Areas to Watch
COUNTRY: Worldwide
Disturbance 19 is an area of low pressure centered near 11.5N/32.3W. The disturbance had been drifting westward, but has become stationary and could even move a little eastward later today and tomorrow. An area of thunderstorms that moved off the coast of Africa over the last 18 to 24 hours is expected to merge with Disturbance 19 over the next 2-3 days. The combined system is expected to move west-northwest and could strengthen some. Conditions are expected to be generally unfavorable, and development chances over the next 48 hours remain near zero. Development chances over the next 7 days remain at 20 percent.
Disturbance 17 is located along 56W, and is moving west near 14 kts (16 mph). The associated thunderstorms are increasing and it will bring enhanced rainfall and gusty winds to the Lesser Antilles later today and tomorrow. Once in the
eastern Caribbean Sea tomorrow, it will encounter increasingly hostile conditions and weaken. Development chances remain less than 5 percent.
Disturbance 18 is over the Yucatan Peninsula along 90W and is moving west near 15 kts (17 mph). Development is not expected.
Source: Louisiana Maritime Association
Port of Rotterdam takes measures to prevent delays
August 18, 2014, Netherlands, Rotterdam
Part of the inland waterway vessels, particularly those vessels transporting smaller numbers of containers to and from the port will be handled at the Rotterdam Container Terminal (RCT) located adjacent to the Delta Terminal. ECT will decide which ships will be handled by RCT. The operator will then be in direct contact with RCT. RCT will organise various related aspects, such as a berth, the unloading of containers and the overland transport to the Delta Terminal. This will unburden the water side of the Delta Terminal. This
approach has since been implemented and operations can be further scaled up.
Bundling of inland shipping containers, and if necessary road containers, at the Uniport Terminal in the Waalhaven area. This is similar to the bundling in Moerdijk
and results in greater efficiency at the Maasvlakte. This option is currently being worked out in further detail.
The three measures are primarily focused on handling inland shipping traffic. The expectation is that this will subsequently free up quay and labour capacity in favour of
sea-going vessels.
A key cause of the congestion is due to the arrival of large intercontinental container ships outside scheduled/planned times. Hundreds of hinter1and movements are connected with the mainland vessels, whose scheduling is consequently disrupted as well. Other ports are also faced with this problem.
For information about operations in Netherlands, contact GAC Netherlands at agency.rotterdam@gac.com.
Source: Port Authority of Rotterdam
Memorandum from Harbour Master regarding Ebola outbreak
August 18, 2014, South Africa, Cape Town
MEMORANDUM: HARBOUR MASTER WRITTEN INSTRUCTION (01) of 2014
1. BACKGROUND
There has been an increase in the number of World Health Organisation warnings with regards to Communicable Disease outbreak in West African Countries. As a result the Authority feels it will be prudent to implement measure to safe guard our Ports against the exposure to the threat posed by those visiting vessels.
2. PROCEDURE
The following procedure has been developed to prevent the spread of any contagious disease. The quarantine period will be confirmed by Port Health based on their assessment
2.1. Prior to boarding a vessel call up Port Control and confirm Free Pratique has been received and also enquire about last three ports of call. Security to also check with ISPS pre-arrival notification.
2.2. Upon boarding confirm Health Status of crew with Master.
2.3. For high risk vessels (that is vessels that have been to West Africa or where the ship has a West African connection) ensure that you are wearing face mask and hand gloves.
2.4. For the warning period all South African Citizens are to refrain from consuming foods or liquids on board vessels from high risk areas. Gifts involving foods should also not be accepted.
2.5. All off port limit crew transfers from affected areas to be carefully screened – no crew to be taken off a vessel without Port Health clearance.
2.6. Port health declaration also required for all Off Port Limit transfers.
2.7. All medical evacuations from vessels from affected areas need to be screened by Port Health before person taken off vessel.
2.8. Captain of the vessel to confirm in writing stowaway sweep was done when departing last port – Stowaway search may be requested to be done when alongside at vessels cost using stowaway sweeper companies whose members have undergone training and /or awareness on Ebola Virus Disease.
2.9. Security to inform Port Control of any reported stowaways from vessels calling from affected areas – if reported vessel to remain at anchor until cleared by Port Health for entry or advised otherwise.
2.10. All masters of vessels must report stowaways on his vessel if calling from affected area – vessel to remain at anchor until stowaways examined & cleared by Port Health or otherwise advised
2.11. Strict gangway watches to be maintained at all times.
2.12. All members involved in evacuation of infected crew or stowaways must be trained by Port Health on Ebola Virus.
2.13. Separate lists of vessels calling from Ebola affected areas are to be maintained for record purposes.
2.14. All galley waste of vessels from affected areas to be incinerated and not accepted ashore.
2.15. Additional Security to be deployed by Agent of vessel for contaminated vessels and no one must be allowed on board a contaminated vessel except Port Health and only after clearance can anyone be permitted to enter the vessel.
2.16. If possible contaminated vessels should be allocated an isolated berth away from other vessels.
3. Signs and Symptoms of Infected Persons:
3.1. Symptoms include high fever, bleeding and central nervous system damage. This is followed by vomiting, diarrhoea, rash, and in some cases bleeding.
4. Precautions to be taken to prevent infection and spread of virus:
4.1. Wear face mask and hand gloves
4.2. Leave on gloves when shaking hands with vessel crew from affected areas
4.3. Sanitise hands frequently
4.4. Avoid contact with people showing signs and symptoms indicated above
4.5. Avoid consuming foods and other products.
4.6. Do not utilise the facilities on board.
4.7. Do not make contact with bodily fluids.
For further clarification, please contact the Harbour Master’s or Marine Services’ and Human Environment Departments.
Source: Harbour Master Port of Richards Bay
Suspension of Marine Terminal Offloading
August 18, 2014, United States, New Orleans, Louisiana
On August 13th LOOP’s Offshore Marine Terminal suspended its crude oil offloading operations. Activities are underway to inspect and repair the pipeline. Preliminary estimates continue to indicate that marine offloading operations may resume between August 23rd and August 27th . LOOP will continue to evaluate options to safely expedite offloading operations when repairs are complete.
All other pipelines into and out of the Clovelly Hub remain operational.
The next update will be issued, August 16th at 1500.
For information about operations in New Orleans contact GAC New Orleans at neworleans@gac.com
Source: LOOP LLC
Suspension of Marine Terminal Offloading
August 18, 2014, United States, New Orleans, Louisiana
On August 13th LOOP’s Offshore Marine Terminal suspended its crude oil offloading operations. Activities are underway to inspect and repair the pipeline. A detailed work plan is under development. Preliminary estimates indicate that marine offloading operations may resume in 9 to 13 days. LOOP will be evaluating options to safely expedite offloading operations when repairs are complete.
All other pipelines into and out of the Clovelly Hub remain operational.
The next update will be issued, August 15th at 1300.
Source: LOOP LLC
Marine Site Investigation off Tit Cham Chau
August 18, 2014, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
With effect from 20 August 2014 and for a period of approximately three months, marine site investigation works involving drilling of boreholes will be carried out within the area bounded by straight lines joining the following co-ordinates (WGS 84 Datum) from (A) to (F) and the adjacent shoreline:
(A) 22º 16.041’N / 114º 16.902’E
(B) 22º 15.995’N / 114º 16.974’E
(C) 22º 15.638’N / 114º 16.709’E
(D) 22º 15.684’N / 114º 16.637’E
(E) 22º 15.886’N / 114º 16.787’E
(F) 22º 15.900’N / 114º 16.798’E
The works will be carried out by one flat top barge. One tug will provide assistance.
A working area of approximately 50 metres around the barge will be established. Yellow marker buoys fitted with yellow flashing lights will be laid to mark the positions of the anchors extending from the barge.
The hours of work will be from 0700 to 1900 hours. No works will be carried out on Sundays and public holidays. 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.101 of 2014 dated 12 August 2014
Port Kembla closed due to severe weather
August 18, 2014, Australia, Port Kembla
Due to severe weather the port was closed today Monday 0715/18th Aug to all shipping with the anchorage being closed yesterday Sunday 0936/17th Aug.
The Habour Master indicates the port remains closed overnight and will reassess conditions tomorrow Tuesday 0800/19th Aug.
Presently there is 1 coal vessel alongside waiting for the port to re-open with 3 vessels waiting at sea and the next vessel due 19th.
Panama Canal Situation for August 15
August 18, 2014, Panama, Panama Canal
It is advised that there will be average traffic delays in Panama Canal. The projected queue as of 24:00 hours on August 17 is 36 vessels.
Current average delays (today and tomorrow’s traffic) as follows:
Supers (large, over 91 feet in beam, transit with restrictions):
Northbound: 1 day
Southbound: 1 day
Regulars (small, under 91 feet in beam, unrestricted transit):
Northbound: 1 day
Southbound: 1 day
The booking competitions today were as follows:
Second period Large vessel (slots for Sep. 5): 9 slots, no applicants
Second period Small vessel (slots for Sep. 5): 4 slots, no applicants
Third period Large vessel (slots for Aug. 18): 11 slots, 1 applicant, 10 slots left
Third period Small vessel (slots for Aug. 18): 4 slots, 3 applicants, 2 southbound slots left
The Auction Booking Slots for Aug. 17 were not offered because there were normal booking slots still available.
For further information, please contact GAC at gac-wilfordmckay.panama@gac.com
GAC Bunker Fuels Ltd Pricing Alert
Market Price Update 18/08/14
| COUNTRY | 180 CST | 380 CST | MGO | MDO |  |
|
|
Aberdeen | 0 | 0 | 883.00 | 0 | |
|
Aden | 755.00 | 680.00 | 1, 100.00 | 0 | |
|
Alexandria | 755.00 | 655.00 | 1, 180.00 | 0 | |
|
Amsterdam | 593.00 | 563.00 | 841.00 | 0 | |
|
Antwerp | 588.00 | 558.00 | 836.00 | 0 | |
|
Aqaba | 0 | 725.00 | 1, 045.00 | 0 | |
|
Bahrain | 0 | 0 | 1, 020.00 | 0 | |
|
Bergen | 646.00 | 619.00 | 909.00 | 0 | |
|
Busan | 632.00 | 610.00 | 910.00 | 900.00 | |
|
Cape Town | 633.00 | 0 | 934.00 | 0 | |
|
Colombo | 695.00 | 660.00 | 1, 030.00 | 0 | |
|
Dubai | 630.00 | 620.00 | 850.00 | 0 | |
|
Durban | 605.00 | 0 | 1, 025.00 | 0 | |
|
Fujairah | 615.00 | 598.00 | 980.00 | 0 | |
|
Gibraltar | 637.00 | 603.00 | 910.00 | 0 | |
|
Hambantota | 659.00 | 643.00 | 1, 000.00 | 0 | |
|
Hong Kong | 606.00 | 599.00 | 900.00 | 0 | |
|
Houston | 655.00 | 555.00 | 925.00 | 0 | |
|
Istanbul | 623.00 | 595.00 | 925.00 | 0 | |
|
Jeddah | 710.00 | 659.00 | 1, 082.00 | 0 | |
|
Kaohsiung | 643.00 | 633.00 | 990.00 | 975.00 | |
|
Kuwait | 0 | 640.00 | 1, 250.00 | 0 | |
|
Lerwick | 0 | 0 | 924.00 | 0 | |
|
Malta | 695.00 | 665.00 | 886.00 | 0 | |
|
Montrose | 0 | 0 | 923.00 | 0 | |
|
Mumbai | 627.00 | 619.00 | 1, 090.00 | 0 | |
|
New York & New Jersey | 628.00 | 575.00 | 930.00 | 0 | |
|
Panama | 675.00 | 575.00 | 1, 010.00 | 0 | |
|
Piraeus | 652.00 | 626.00 | 902.00 | 0 | |
|
Port Louis | 715.00 | 0 | 1, 048.00 | 0 | |
|
Port Said | 760.00 | 665.00 | 1, 090.00 | 0 | |
|
Qatar | 0 | 0 | 925.00 | 0 | |
|
Richards Bay | 623.00 | 0 | 1, 030.00 | 0 | |
|
Rio de Janeiro | 610.00 | 585.00 | 990.00 | 0 | |
|
Rotterdam | 588.00 | 558.00 | 836.00 | 0 | |
|
Salalah | 695.00 | 645.00 | 1, 120.00 | 0 | |
|
Shanghai | 636.00 | 614.00 | 1, 028.00 | 0 | |
|
Sharjah | 630.00 | 620.00 | 850.00 | 0 | |
|
Singapore | 608.00 | 598.00 | 881.00 | 0 | |
|
Sohar | 0 | 650.00 | 1, 035.00 | 0 | |
|
St Petersburg | 451.00 | 431.00 | 755.00 | 0 | |
|
Stavanger | 0 | 0 | 919.00 | 0 | |
|
Suez | 715.00 | 665.00 | 1, 090.00 | 0 | |
|
Walvis Bay | 707.00 | 0 | 1, 052.00 | 0 | |
|
West Africa OFFSHORE – FROM ABIDJAN TO LUANDA | 0 | 668.00 | 1, 030.00 | 0 |
GAC is a global provider of integrated shipping, logistics and marine services dedicated to helping customers achieve their strategic goals at the highest levels of quality, safety and compliance.
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