Ship Channel closed due to vessel collision
March 10, 2015, United States, Houston, Texas
Houston Channel was closed at 1300 hours local time yesterday (9 March) due to a collision between two vessels.
The U.S. Coast Guard VTS Houston-Galveston advised that no movement were permitted from Houston Ship Channel Light 86 to Morgans Point High Lines due to the collision.
For information about operations in the USA contact GAC USA at usa@gac.com
Cyclone affecting NW coast of Australia
March 10, 2015, Australia, Dampier
The Dampier Regional Harbour Master has advised that the port is now at Cyclone Response Stage 2 – Prepare, due the high probability of a tropical cyclone by late tomorrow (Wednesday 11 March) or early Thursday.
Gales could occur on the NW Shelf as early as Thursday.
Stage 2 involves extensive communication and consultation between the Port of Dampier, Port Terminal Operators, Port users and Pilots. Operational plans, sailing drafts, tidal requirements and intentions will be discussed and evaluated against possible response scenarios.
The Harbour Master directs to ensure:
* Engines and machinery are fully operational.
* Vessel stability, trim, and propeller immersion are appropriate.
* Manning, stores and bunkers are adequate.
* Large vessels should be enabled to put to sea at short notice, and small vessels to move onto their designated cyclone moorings at short notice.
Agents of vessels expected to arrive at the Port of Dampier are to advise their vessels to not approach the port due to the impending cyclonic weather.
Apache and Marine and Civil should be at their Cyclone stage 2 and prepare for the possibility of shifting the barge “Swanfleet” onto her cyclone mooring at 1200 tomorrow (11 March).
Due to the uncertainty of the system and the possibility of Gale force winds impacting the coast by Thursday morning. Dampier may move to Cyclone Response Stage 3 – Clear Port on Wednesday morning and commence progressively clearing the port anchorages, with the view to sailing all tidally restricted vessels on the 1337 High Water on Wednesday afternoon.
Dampier Port will continue to monitor this tropical low.
For information about operations in Australia contact GAC Australia at shipping.australia@gac.com
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“Jo”
