Hot Port News from GAC
06-May-2019
DREDGING OFF SULTAN SHOAL LIGHTHOUSE
Singapore
MAXIMUM AUTHORIZED DRAFT FOR TRANSITING VESSELS (6TH UPDATE)
Panama Canal, Panama
Dredging off Sultan Shoal Lighthouse
Monday, May 6, 2019, Singapore
From 6 May to 6 November, dredging works are being carried out off Sultan Shoal Lighthouse.
According to the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore Port Marine Notice No.040 of 2019 dated 3 May 2019, the dredging will be conducted 24 hours daily – including Sundays & Public Holidays – within the working area bounded by the following coordinates (WGS 84 Datum):
1) 1 deg. 14.475‘N / 103 deg. 39.970‘E
2) 1 deg. 14.508‘N / 103 deg. 39.043‘E
3) 1 deg. 13.707‘N / 103 deg. 39.366‘E
4) 1 deg. 13.671‘N / 103 deg. 39.275‘E
Dredging works will be carried out by grab dredgers, supported by hopper barges and pusher tugs. The grab dredgers will be held in position by spuds systems within the working area.
The safety zone is a circular area of 250m radius centered at the dredger.
A safety boat will be deployed to warn other craft in the vicinity of the working area.
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 of the working area;
b) Maintain a proper lookout;
c) Proceed at a safe speed and to navigate with caution;
d) Maintain a listening watch on VHF Channel 22 (Jurong Control);
and
e) Communicate with Jurong Control on VHF Channel 22 for assistance, if required.
For information about operations in Singapore contact GAC Singapore at singapore@gac.com
Maximum authorized draft for transiting vessels (6th update)
Monday, May 6, 2019, Panama Canal, Panama
Based on the present and projected level of Gatun Lake for the following weeks, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) announces that, effective May 28, 2019, the Maximum Authorized Draft for vessels transiting the Neopanamax locks will be 13.11 meters (43.0 feet) Tropical Fresh Water (TFW).
Similarly, the Maximum Authorized Draft for vessels transiting the Panamax locks will be 11.73 meters (38.5 feet) Tropical Fresh Water (TFW).
Vessels arriving after May 28, 2019, with drafts over the above-mentioned maximum drafts may be allowed to transit, depending on the actual level of Gatun Lake at the time of transit. Otherwise, they will be required to trim or off-load cargo in order to be allowed to transit.
Draft adjustments will be announced in 12-inch (30.5 cm) decrements, generally with at least four weeks advanced notice.
(For information about operations in Panama contact GAC Panama at operations.panama@gac.com)
Source: Panama Canal Authority Advisory To Shipping No.A-13-2019 dated 3 May 2019
