Lock repairs completed
February 06, 2015, Germany, Kiel Canal
The temporary repairs to the severely damaged lock gate at Brunsbuttel big new south lock chamber have been completed. Both big lock chambers are now back in service.
(For information about operations in Germany contact the GAC UK Hub Agency Centre at hub.gb@gac.com)
Source: Sartori & Berger – GAC agent
Bid to break ports deadlock
February 06, 2015, United States, Los Angeles, California
US West coast employers have made an offer to longshore workers in a bid to end the deadlock over a new labour contract that has added to the chaos afflicting some of the country’s largest ports.
The Pacific Maritime Association (PMA), representing shipowners and terminal operators, revealed details of the offer that it says would significantly increase compensation to members of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU). PMA said its offer was designed to bring contract negotiations to a close after nearly nine months, and follows three months of slowdowns that had hit productivity at major west coast ports.
Despite four weeks of participation by a federal mediator, the parties have not yet been able to bridge the considerable gaps between them. Negotiations began in May last year.
On Wednesday (4 February), 22 vessels were at anchor outside the two worst-affected ports – Los Angeles and Long Beach – due lack of space in the harbour.. The Marine Exchange of Southern California has opened up temporary anchorages to cater for the number of ships unable to berth.
For information about operations in the USA contact GAC USA at usa@gac.com
Construction of the Hong Kong Link Road
February 06, 2015, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
To facilitate the pile cap construction works at the navigation channels across the works area of the Hong Kong Link Road, the following temporary marine traffic arrangement will be implemented from 0600 hours to 2359 hours on 9 February 2015:
(i) The southwest-bound channel will be temporarily closed to marine traffic.
(ii) The northeast-bound channel will be temporarily opened for vessels to run across the works area of the Hong Kong Link Road from both directions.
(iii) Guard boats will be stationed at the approaches to the navigation channels to give necessary guidance to the vessels approaching the navigation channels.
(iv) In the event of inclement weather, the pile cap construction works at the navigation channels will be postponed to the fallback date of 12 February 2015, with the same temporary marine traffic arrangement as aforementioned.
Vessels navigating in the vicinity should proceed with caution and follow the guidance given by the guard boats on scene.
(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.16 of 2015
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