Hot Port News from GAC

….This MSIB clarifies USCG Captain of the Port expectations and provides recommended actions in preparation for heavy weather conditions forecast for the San Francisco COTP Zone. Industry partners should review the applicable portions of the San Francisco, San Pablo and Suisun Bay Harbor Safety Plan, implement heavy-weather plans and shall take due diligence to prepare for potential storm impacts.

USCG Sector San Francisco will be conducting harbor patrols to ascertain pre-storm conditions and provide recommendations for preparatory actions. The COTP may require additional precautions to ensure the safety of the ports and waterways. The following requirements and recommendations are provided in advance of the heavy weather:

* Ports and waterfront facilities should remove and/or secure all debris and potential flying hazards.

* Secure hazardous materials and pollution hazards in a safe manner away from waterfront areas.

* Terminal operators should prepare to terminate all cargo operations not associated with storm preparations.

* Container stacking protocols should be implemented. Waterfront facilities that are unable to reduce container stacking heights to no more than four high (or no more than two high for hazardous materials) should devise a contingency plan with alternative container stacking protocols and submit these plans to the Captain of the Port.

* Heavy weather mooring arrangements shall be implemented for all oceangoing commercial vessel greater than 500 tons that are submitted to the Captain of the Port.

* All facilities shall continue operations in accordance with their approved Facility Security Plans and comply with the requirements of the Marine Transportations Security Act (MTSA).

* Anticipate that drawbridges may be closed to vessel traffic due to high winds and safety concerns.

* Vessel loading/discharging operations are not authorized during gale force winds unless specifically cleared by the COTP. This includes container oeprations and bunkering and discharging operations in accordance with the San Francisco, San Pablo and Suisun Bay Harbor Safety Plan.

* Bulk liquid terminals should ensure that all transfer hoses and loading arms are drained, flanged and secured. Valves on transfer piping leading to pier and waterfront areas should be secured in the closed position.

* All vessels at anchorage shall implement heavy weather communications procedures with VTS San Francisco in accordance with 33CFR110.224.

* Ferry operators are encouraged to evaluate their ability to operate in the pending conditions and take all necessary actions to ensure the safety of passengers and crews. Ferry vessel movements may be restricted if winds reach gale force strength.

* In accordance with the San Francisco, San Pablo and Siusun Bay Harbor Safety Plan, vessel operators shall notify the COTP via VTS San Francisco of intent to operate during storm conditions, and take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of transits.

* Marine construction and dredging operations should be suspended and secured in advance of gale force winds.

* Marine event organizers should postpone events until after the passage of the storm….

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

Source: Extract from U.S. Coast Guard, Sector San Francisco, Maritime Security Information Bulletin (MSIB ) 14-09 dated 10 December 2014

The cause of the fire is still being investigated.

For information about operations in Malaysia contact GAC-Kudrat Maritime at gac-kudrat.malaysia@gac.com

A) 01 deg. 17.903’N / 103 deg. 41.423’E

B) 01 deg. 17.907’N / 103 deg. 41.448’E

C) 01 deg. 17.890’N / 103 deg. 41.450’E

D) 01 deg. 17.887’N / 103 deg. 41.425’E

Work will involve rebar and formwork followed by concrete grouting.

Craft involved in the works 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) Maintain a listening watch on VHF Channel 22 (Jurong Control);

and

e) Communicate with Jurong Control on VHF Channel 22 for assistance, if required.

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

– Design Depth 16.6m

– Actual Depth: 16.4m

HPS Berth No 2

– Design Depth 16.7m

– Actual Depth: 16.8m

HPS Berth No 3

– Design Depth 19.0m

– Actual Depth: 18.3m*

DBCT Berth No. 1

– Design Depth 19.6m

– Actual Depth: 17.8m

DBCT Berth No. 2

– Design Depth 19.6m

– Actual Depth: 17.7m

DBCT Berth No. 3

– Design Depth 19.0m

– Actual Depth: 17.5m

DBCT Berth No. 4

– Design Depth 19.0m

– Actual Depth: 17.5m

* Revised or New Entry

(For information about operations in Australia contact GAC Australia atshipping.australia@gac.com)

Source: Queensland Notice to Mariners 709 (Temporary) of 2014 dated 10 December 2014

Currently, the port remains open for shipping movements.

For information about operations in Australia contact GAC Australia atshipping.australia@gac.com