Lock chamber out of service for repairs
January 05, 2015, Germany, Kiel Canal
The Kiel Canal authorities have announced that the South Big Lock Chamber at Brunsbuettel is out of service for repairs.
Only one big lock and both small locks are currently in operation. Delays can be expected.
The expected time-period for repairs is about two weeks.
(For information about operations in Germany contact the GAC UK Hub Agency Centre at hub.gb@gac.com)
Source: Sartori & Berger, Germany – GAC agent
Temporary waterside security zone for court proceedings
January 05, 2015, United States, Boston, Massachusetts
The Captain of the Port (COTP) Boston is establishing a temporary waterside security zone at the John Joseph Moakley Court House, Boston MA for the court proceedings of the Boston Marathon bombing suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev.
The security zone will be effective and enforced starting on January 5, 2015 and will continue until the trial is complete, and if necessary, during the sentencing phase.
This security zone encompasses all U.S. navigable waters, from surface to bottom, within 500 yards of the John Joseph Moakley United States Courthouse (Moakley Courthouse) in Boston, MA. However, the COTP hereby grants vessels permission to enter this 500 yard security zone as long as such vessels proceed through the area with caution and operate at a speed no faster than that speed necessary to maintain a safe course, and remain beyond 100 yards of the Moakley Courthouse. No person or vessel may come within 100 yards of the Moakley Courthouse under any conditions unless given express permission from the COTP or the COTP’s designated representatives.
The Coast Guard published a notice of proposed rulemaking on November 20, 2014, Federal Register volume 79, 69078, to establish a permanent security zone within Sector Boston’s Captain of the Port (COTP) Zone for a 500 yard security zone, but granting vessels permission to enter the security zone as long as such vessels remain beyond 250 yards of the Moakley Courthouse, unless given express permission from the COTP or the COTP’s designated representatives. However we feel we need more time to adequately address the comments received on the NPRM relating to the impact that 250 yard restriction on vessels will have on businesses, so accordingly, the COTP has elected to establish the above temporary rule with a 100 yard restriction vice 250 yard restriction.
(For information about operations in the USA contact GAC USA at usa@gac.com)
Source: U.S. Coast Guard, Sector Boston
Temporary navigation buoys for berth construction
January 05, 2015, United Arab Emirates, Port of Fujairah
The new VLCC berth construction started on 3 January 2015 and four temporary Navigation Buoys are deployed at the following positions to identify the construction work area. These buoys will be at their locations until any amendments or further information.
All vessels are hereby advised to correct their charts, publications and shall navigate with extreme caution in the vicinity.
Any vessels or utility boats or yachts are prohibited from crossing the construction area since the area is engaged with construction barges and anchor buoys.
Details of buoys’ positions.
BUOY No.1
– Position: 25 deg. 10.60’N / 056 deg. 23.40’E
– Colour: Red
– Light: FL.R
BUOY No.2
– Position: 25 deg. 10.96’N / 056 deg. 23.10’E
– Colour: Red
– Light: FL.R
BUOY No.3
– Position: 25 deg. 12.00’N / 056 deg. 23.10’E
– Colour: Red
– Light: FL.R
BUOY No.4
– Position: 25 deg. 11.60’N / 056 deg. 23.00’E
– Colour: Red
– Light: FL.R
Above is effected in the Admiralty Chart Nos.3723 &3709.
(For information about operations in Fujairah contact GAC Fujairah at fujairah@gac.com)
Source: Port of Fujairah Notice to mariner No.187/2015 dated 5 January 2015
Carriage of Group A Solid Bulk Cargoes
January 05, 2015, Australia, all ports
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has issued an exemption providing for shippers of Group A cargoes to ensure the moisture content is less than the Transportable Moisture Limit (TML) when on board, by:
1. Obtaining a certificate of approval, issued by the competent authority of the port of loading, for the procedures that they established for sampling, testing and controlling moisture content of their Group A solid bulk cargo, in accordance with paragraph 4.3.3 of the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code, (IMSBC Code) and IMO Circular MSC.1/Circ.1454;
and
2. Providing to the master, as part of the provision of all of the information required to be provided by the shipper to the master, a copy of the certificate of approval issued by the competent authority.
All terminals and shippers of iron ore and coal cargoes that fall into Group A solid bulk cargoes are aware of this requirement that the Certificate of Approval be issued to the Master.
For any further information, please contact GAC Australia at shipping.australia@gac.com
Temporary restriction in effect at berth
January 05, 2015, Australia, Port Kembla
Due to damage sustained on 2 January, the following temporary restrictions are in effect at Port Kembla Coal Terminal’s Berth 102 until repairs have been completed:
– Bunkering will be limited until the repair has been completed, with no oil by pipeline available as within quarantined area;
– Due to the position of the damage there may be problems with gangways, mid-ship gangways being the preferred option whilst repairs are progressing. Port Kembla Coal Terminal must be advised of gangway position in relation to the bridge marker for vessels with aft gangways.
For information about operations in Australia contact GAC Australia at shipping.australia@gac.com
Bad weather warning
January 05, 2015, Turkey, Turkish Straits
Bad weather is expected in the Turkish Straits and ports in the coming four days. All vessels trading in the area are urged to exercise caution and comply with the instructions of the authorities.
Although efforts will be made to continue operations, expecially in the Turkish Straits, this will be subject to weather pemritting.
For information about operations in Turkey contact GAC Turkey at turkey@gac.com
GAC is a global provider of integrated shipping, logistics and marine services dedicated to helping customers achieve their strategic goals at the highest levels of quality, safety and compliance.
“Jo”
