Hot Port News from GAC
24-Oct-2019
UNDER KEEL CLEARANCE MANAGEMENT UPDATE
Port Kembla, Australia
REPUBLIC DAY HOLIDAY
Turkey
DEPRESSION IN BAY OF BENGAL TRIGGERS HEAVY RAIN IN COASTAL ANDHRA
Andhra, India
Under Keel Clearance Management Update
Thursday, October 24, 2019, Port Kembla, Australia
According to the Port Authority of New South Wales notification, all vessels over 9m draft (except for Pure Car Carriers (PCC) and Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTC)) are required to submit Under Keel clearance details.
The under keel clearance system that is currently being used by the Port Authority, DUKC, has been expanded to include all berths in Port Kembla for passages into the port (from the Pilot station to berth) and out of the port (berth to pilot disembarkation).
This will allow for servicing of more accurate windows for berthing and departure protocols for vessels at Port Kembla. In most cases, this would provide better windows for arrival and departure and adjust these windows to suit the swell and sea condition.
An under keel clearance form (DUKC input proforma) is required for booking all vessels with drafts exceeding 9.0 metres. This is applicable for inbound vessels, outbound vessels and removals between berths in the port.
At this time, this requirement is not applicable for PCCs and PCTCs.
The DUKC system now allows for 7 day Dynamic under Keel predictions in advance. Agents who ask for berthing windows inside 1 week will need to provide a DUKC form for more accurate and larger Dynamic windows.
For information about Australian ports, contact GAC Australia at shipping.australia@gac.com
Source: Port Authority of New South Wales Harbour Master Instruction – Port Kembla (HMI 19-004)
Republic Day Holiday
Thursday, October 24, 2019, Turkey
All official institutions and banks will be closed from Monday 28 October 11:00 (local time) until Wednesday 30 October for Republic Day.
Some ports may suspend operations during these dates and official services such as pilotage, towage, mooring and customs will be increased by 50%. There will be a 50% additional pilotage charge for Turkish Straits.
Owners and operators of vessels calling at Turkish ports are urged to make sure all arrangements for crew, spares, provisions, documentation, etc are made in a timely manner ahead of the holiday.
For information about operations in Turkey contact GAC Turkey at turkey@gac.com
Depression in Bay of Bengal triggers heavy rain in coastal Andhra
Thursday, October 24, 2019, Andhra, India
The Regional Office of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) reports that a low pressure area which formed over the West-central Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a depression by Thursday night.
As per the IMD bulletin: “The depression will be crossing the coast between Tallarevu and Kakinada in East Godavari district by late night. Under its influence, there will be gales with speed up to 70 kmph coupled with heavy rains.”
The IMD has issued a Red alert till 8.30 AM of October 25 for the state’s coastal belt.
“Heavy to very heavy rainfall will occur in isolated places in Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, East and West Godavari districts, besides Yanam and parts of Rayalaseema,” the bulletin states.
The Cyclone Warning Centre in Visakhapatnam has issued high alert for the next few days across the state.
Heavy rain lashing the coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh for the past two days, claiming lives causing destruction to property and, more downpours have been forecasted for the next three days. There is no chance of a Cyclonic storm.
Dhamra port has been experiencing moderate to heavy rainfall due to which loading / discharging operations and truck movements have been affected. Vessel movements and rake movements remain normal.
Presently no Coal vessels at BB-1 and BB-2 berth.
For further details and information about operations in India contact GAC India at india@gac.com
