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Hot Port News from GAC

by admin

29-Sep-2017

PORT CHANNEL WIDENING PROJECT RECEIVES STATE APPROVAL
Townsville, Australia
SUNKEN VESSEL REMOVED FROM SHIPPING CHANNEL
Cochin, India
WAIVER OF COMPLIANCE WITH NAVIGATION LAWS
United States
Port channel widening project receives State approval
Friday, September 29, 2017, Townsville, Australia
The Port of Townsville’s $193 million channel-widening project has been given the go-ahead by the State Government following the approval of its environmental impact statement.

The channel widening proposals will now be assessed by the Federal Government under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act 1999, which will investigate any potential impacts to the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.

For information about operations at Australian ports, contact GAC Australia at shipping.australia@gac.com

Sunken vessel removed from shipping channel
Friday, September 29, 2017, Cochin, India
The wreck of the fishing vessel which sank in the main shipping channel at Cochin port has now been dragged out of the channel.

Divers are now checking in order to provide final confirmation that the entire boat has been removed, in order to clear the channel for movement.

For information about operations in India contact GAC India at india@gac.com

Waiver of compliance with navigation laws
Friday, September 29, 2017, United States
In recognition of the severe impacts on Puerto Rico from Hurricanes Irma and Maria, Department of Homeland Security Acting Secretary Elaine Duke approved a waiver of the federal Jones Act.

The decision follows yesterday’s request from the governor of Puerto Rico and the Secretary of Defense’s determination that a waiver is in the interest of national defense. The waiver will be in effect for 10 days after signature and covers all products being shipped to Puerto Rico.

“This waiver will ensure that over the next ten days, all options are available to move and distribute goods to the people of Puerto Rico. It is intended to ensure we have enough fuel and commodities to support lifesaving efforts, respond to the storm, and restore critical services and critical infrastructure operations in the wake of these devastating storms,” said Acting Secretary Duke.

The Jones Act prohibits the transportation of cargo between points in the U.S., either directly or via a foreign port, or for any part of the transportation, in any vessel other than a vessel that has a coastwise endorsement (e.g. a vessel that is built in and owned by persons who are citizens of the United States). The last Jones Act waiver was issued earlier this month, for petroleum products to be delivered for relief assistance in anticipation of the effects of Hurricane Irma.

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

Source: US Department of Homeland Security notice dated 28 September 2017

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