Contract agreement closer (reports)
January 28, 2015, United States, all ports
According to reports, West Coast shipping companies and dockworkers are close to reaching a contract agreement after eight months of negotiations, potentially avoiding a damaging strike.
The Pacific Maritime Association and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union are said to have reached tentative agreement on maintaining truck chassis at 29 West Coast ports.
Negotiations between the two sides have been overseen by a federal mediator since earlier this month. In August, the two sides announced a deal on health-care costs, without disclosing details.
Slowdowns continue at the ports, however. Backups and delays have been experienced as union workers slowed productivity.
For information about operations in the USA contact GAC USA at usa@gac.com
Fender repairs & replacement works for dolphins
January 28, 2015, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
For approximately four months, fender repairing and replacement works for five of the dolphins will be carried out in the To Kwa Wan Typhoon Shelter.
The works will be carried out by a crane barge. Only one dolphin will be occupied for the works at a time.
A working area of approximately 15 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. The barge employed for the works will stay in the works area outside the hours of work.
Diving operations will be carried out from time to time during the hours of work. The barge will display signals as prescribed on international and local regulations.
Vessels navigating in the vicinity should proceed with caution and keep clear at slow speed, bearing in mind there are divers working in the area.
(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.12 of 2015
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“Jo”
