Hot Port News from GAC

Further, new pilot dues and rates will be applied by Novomorservice Pilots at the port from 18 September.

For details of the new rates and information about operations in Russia contact GAC Russia at russia@gac.com

VTS Houston has provided the following summary of restrictions in effect after the passage of Hurricane Harvey:

• Galveston Bay Entrance Channel, Outer Bar Channel, Inner Bar Channel and Bolivar Roads Channel are open 24/7.
• Galveston Harbor is open 24/7.
• Texas City is open 24/7.
• Bolivar Roads Anchorages are open 24/7 – Short duration use for bunkering, inspections and other husbandry.
• The Houston Ship Channel is open 24/7 below Sidney Sherman Bridge with draft restrictions;
  (1) Entrance Channel to Baytown Highlines – maximum 42′;
  (2) Baytown Highlines to Shell – maximum 41′;
  (3) Shell to Houston Cement West – maximum 40′;
  (4) Houston Cement West to Sidney Sherman Bridge – maximum 36′
  Houston Ship Channel transits between the Sidney Sherman Bridge and Buffalo Bayou require prior approval by VTS Houston/Galveston.
• Intracoastal Waterway open 24/7 High Island to Brazos Floodgates.
• Port of Freeport is open 24/7 to maximum 38′ draft.

For information about operations in the United States, contact GAC USA at usa@gac.com

Given the current storm track, the USCG Captain of the Port projects setting of the following conditions at the times noted below.:
– YANKEE at 8AM, Friday, September 8, 2017
– ZULU at 8PM, Friday, September 8, 2017

Preparations to be addressed at this time and completed for Port Condition X-RAY are:

• Vessels and terminal operators should prepare to terminate all ship-to-shore cargo transactions before the setting of Port Condition Yankee.
• Container stacking heights should be reduced to four or less and two or less if they contain hazardous material.

The above times/dates are subject to change. The official Marine Safety Information Bulletin (MSIB) can be found:

• USCG Homeport website at http://homeport.uscg.mil in the Miami section of the Port Directory
• Port Everglades Weather Alerts webpage at http://porteverglades.net/about-us/weather

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

Source: Port Everglades

Traffic will be managed by Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) onboard the ALFRED P. CENAC on VHF-FM channel 13.

The following restrictions are in effect:

1. Tows permitted to transit during daylight hours only.
2. Light boats may transit the area at night, but shall proceed at minimum speed.
3. Tows permitted to transit through the safety zone are limited to a maximum of 650 feet by 54 feet.
4. Tows permitted to transit through the safety zone shall proceed at minimum speed to maintain steerage.
5. Vessels unable to transit through the affected waterway are advised to seek an alternate destination.

Salvage operations are estimated to begin sometime 8 September, possible as early as 0700. Once salvage operations begin, traffic movement will be secured until such a time that it is deemed safe to resume.

Questions should be directed to the ALFRED P. CENAC on channel 13 VHF-FM.

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

Source: U.S. Coast Guard, Marine Safety Unit Port Arthur Texas, Marine Safety Information Bulletin 21-17 (LC) dated 7 September 2017