Hot Port News from GAC
21-Oct-2019
PORT DUES REBATE FOR VESSELS HANDLING TRANSHIPMENT VEHICLES
Singapore
DREDGING AT TUEN MUN PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREA
Hong Kong
NEW TUG REQUIREMENTS
Port Lincoln, Australia
OFFSHORE PILOT SERVICES SUSPENDED
Lake Charles, United States
Port dues rebate for vessels handling transhipment vehicles
Monday, October 21, 2019, Singapore
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has announced the extension of the scheme which grants a port dues rebate for vessels handling transshipment vehicles for another three years from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2022.
As advised in the MPA’s Port Marine Circular No.17 of 2019, under the scheme, a port dues rebate is granted to vehicle carrier operators’ vessels handling transshipment vehicles in Singapore with a short stay of no more than 5 days, as follows:
Less than 10,000 transhipped vehicles in Singapore per year: 10% port dues rebate if a minimum compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5% over the base year (three-year average from 2017 to 2019) is achieved. No rebate if growth condition is not met.
Between 10,000 and 200,000 transhipped vehicles in Singapore per year: 20% port dues rebate if a minimum CAGR of 2% over base year is achieved; otherwise 10% port dues rebate.
More than 200,000 transhipped vehicles in Singapore per year: 20% port dues rebate if positive CAGR over base year is achieved; otherwise 10% port dues rebate.
The vehicle carrier will not be entitled to the rebate during any year that does not fulfill the conditions of the scheme.
For information about operations in Singapore contact GAC Singapore at singapore@gac.com
Dredging at Tuen Mun Public Cargo Working Area
Monday, October 21, 2019, Hong Kong
For approximately one month, dredging operations [are being] carried out within the area bounded by straight lines joining the following co-ordinates (WGS 84 Datum) from (A) to (E) and the adjacent shoreline:
(A) 22 deg. 22.732’N / 113 deg. 58.207’E
(B) 22 deg. 22.697’N / 113 deg. 58.223’E
(C) 22 deg. 22.659’N / 113 deg. 58.134’E
(D) 22 deg. 22.720’N / 113 deg. 58.104’E
(E) 22 deg. 22.737’N / 113 deg. 58.144’E
The works [are being] carried out by one derrick lighter and one split hopper barge. One tugboat [is providing] assistance.
A working area of approximately 15 metres around each working vessel is established. Yellow marker buoys fitted with yellow flashing lights [are] laid to mark the positions of the anchors extending from the working vessels.
A silt curtain, extending from the sea surface to the seabed, is established beside the derrick lighter. Yellow flashing lights are laid to mark the extent of the silt curtain.
The hours of work are from 0700 to 1900 hours. No works will be carried out on Sundays and public holidays. Vessels employed for the works stay in the works area outside the hours of work.
Vessels engaged in the operations display signals as prescribed in international and local regulations.
Vessels navigating in the vicinity should proceed with caution.
(For information about operations in Hong Kong contact GAC Hong Kong at shipping.hongkong@gac.com)
Source: Government of the Hong Kong SAR Marine Department Notice No.162 of 2019
New tug requirements
Monday, October 21, 2019, Port Lincoln, Australia
Flinders Ports Operations has been investigating a number of issues raised regarding the required number of tugs for vessels and the unique nature of berthing and unberthing at the various berths in Port Lincoln.
Please be advised that effective 1 January the towage requirements for the port will change.
Essentially, the change is related to the number of tugs required to the LOA of vessels which has been decreased from 180m to 175m…
…Although this means that a few additional vessels will have 2 tugs, Flinders Ports has negotiated an outcome with the towage provider (PLT) that the tariff rates (Due in Jan) will be kept the same as this year and not be increased for 12 months.
(For information about operations in Australia contact GAC Australia at shipping.australia@gac.com)
Source: Flinders Ports (www.flindersports.com.au)
Offshore pilot services suspended
Monday, October 21, 2019, Lake Charles, United States
Due to rough wind and sea conditions, Lake Charles Pilots suspended services offshore today (21 October). If conditions permit, movements within port will be allowed.
Weather conditions will be closely monitored and the pilots will advise when we vessels can start moving again.
For the latest updates and information about operations in the United States, contact GAC North America at usa@gac.com
