Dense fog closes ports
March 17, 2015, United States, Houston, Texas
The ports of Houston, Galveston, Freeport and Corpus Christi have all been closed yesterday evening (16 March) or this morning (17 March) due to fog.
A Dense Fog Advisory is in effect until 1pm CDT this afternoon.
A broad surface ridge of high pressure extends from coastal Texas to the Flroida Panhandle. Light southeast winds will persist for much of the week ahead. As warm moist air overrides cooler shelf waters, periods of sea fog are expected to develop. The fog will be pesistent and probably linger through Saturday.
Today:
West winds around 5 knots becoming south in the afternoon. Bay waters smooth. Areas of dense fog with visibility 1 nm or less in the morning…then patchy fog in the afternoon.
Tonight:
South winds 5 to 10 knots. Bay waters smooth. Patchy fog. A slight chance of showers in the evening. Isolated thunderstorms. A chance of showers after midnight.
For information about operations in the USA contact GAC USA at usa@gac.com
New pilotage tariff
March 17, 2015, United States, Lake Charles, Louisiana
The new tariff for Lake Charles Pilots Inc., as approved by the Louisiana Pilotage Fee Commission.
A total increase of 4.281% in general tariff rates and fees has been authorized by the Pilot Fee Commission.
The necessary adjustments to the tariff will be implemented retroactive on March 13, 2015 and will remain in effect through December 31, 2015.
For information about operations in the USA contact GAC USA at usa@gac.com
Navigation restrictions for bridge construction
March 17, 2015, United States, Delaware River
The vertical clearance on the Betsy Ross Bridge is reduced by 5 feet and 2 inches due to the installation of four work platforms that measure 18 feet wide and 12 feet long.
The platforms are installed on both the north and south side of the bridge at locations 283.5 deg. and 364.5 deg. west of the Pennsauken, New Jersey tower.
A flashing red light will be positioned at the corners of each platform. No welding or burning will be performed over the waterway.
For information about operations in the USA contact GAC USA at usa@gac.com
Wharf construction
March 17, 2015, Singapore, Jurong Port
From 18 March to 18 September 2015, construction work will be carried out for a wharf off the Chevron Oronite Berth 1 at Jurong Island.
According to the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore’s Port Marine Notice No.28 of 2015, the works will be conducted 24 hours daily – including Sundays & Public Holidays – within the working area bounded by following co-ordinates (WGS 84 Datum):
1) 01 deg. 15.150’N / 103 deg. 42.037’E
2) 01 deg. 15.121’N / 103 deg. 42.049’E
3) 01 deg. 15.118’N / 103 deg. 42.041’E
4) 01 deg. 15.086’N / 103 deg. 42.054’E
5) 01 deg. 15.063’N / 103 deg. 41.998’E
6) 01 deg. 15.127’N / 103 deg. 41.974’E
The construction work will involve removal of rock revetment, piling work, form work and concreting work.
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 68 (Sinki Control);
and
e) Communicate with Sinki Control on VHF Channel 68 for assistance, if required.
For information about operations in Singapore contact GAC Singapore at singapore@gac.com
Tropical Cyclone Nathan update (17 March 2015)
March 17, 2015, Australia, Cairns
After proceeding back into the Coral Sea, Tropical Cyclone Nathan is now regaining strength and is expected to head back towards the North Queensland Coast crossing north of the Cairns region later this week.
At this stage there is no impact on port and shipping operations, but port closures may happen later in the week if the cyclone continues on its current predicted track.
For information about operations in Australia contact GAC Australia at shipping.australia@gac.com
Suspension of TEGM storage
March 17, 2015, Chile, Antofagasta
Loading/discharging of concentrates at Antofagasta Terminal Internacional has been affected by the Environmental Authorities’ suspension of the use of Terminal de Graneles Minerales (Terminal for Bulk Minerals) storage.
As advised by Government sources, the suspension will last for 30 days.
(For information about operations in Chile, and elsewhere in the Americas, contact the GAC Houston Hub Agency Center at hub.us@gac.com)
Source: Ultramar Agencie Chile – GAC agent
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.
“Jo”
