Ports closed due to fog
January 20, 2015, United States, Houston, Texas
Dense fog which is expected to persist until midday local time today (20 January) has forced the closure of the ports of Houston, Galveston and Corpus Christi.
At the time of reporting, Freeport remained open.
For information about operations in the USA contact GAC USA at usa@gac.com
Submarine cable repairs off Tong Fuk
January 20, 2015, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
From 20 January and for approximately 2 weeks, submarine cable repair works involving diving operation will be carried out off Tong Fuk within the area bounded by straight lines joining the following co-ordinates (WGS
84 Datum) from (A) to (D):
Works Area:
(A) 22º 13.502’N / 113º 55.891’E
(B) 22º 13.495’N / 113º 55.891’E
(C) 22º 13.494’N / 113º 55.860’E
(D) 22º 13.500’N / 113º 55.860’E
The works will be carried out by one work boat. One tug will provide assistance.
To facilitate the transshipment of materials for the above works, one derrick lighter will be stationed within the area bounded by straight lines joining the following co-ordinates (WGS84 Datum) from (E) to (H):
Transshipment Area:
(E) 22º 13.420’N / 113º 56.315’E
(F) 22º 13.345’N / 113º 56.315’E
(G) 22º 13.345’N / 113º 56.235’E
(H) 22º 13.420’N / 113º 56.235’E
A working area of approximately 50 metres will be established around the derrick lighter. Yellow marker buoys fitted with yellow flashing lights will be laid to mark the positions of the anchors extending from the derrick lighter.
The hours of work will be from 0800 to 1800 hours. Vessels employed for the works will stay in the transshipment area outside the hours of work.
Vessels engaged in the operations will display signals as prescribed in international and local regulations.
Vessels navigating in the vicinity should proceed with caution and keep clear at slow speed, bearing in mind that there are divers working in the works area.
(For information about operations in Hong Kong contact GAC Hong Kong at shipping.hongkong@gac.com)
Source: Government of Hong Kong SAR Maritime Department Notice No.6 of 2015
Ports reopened
January 20, 2015, Australia, Port Hedland
The ports of Port Hedland, Broome and Dampier are now open, following the all clear on the previous Tropical Cyclone alert.
The Port Hedland Harbour Master advises that the weather system has now been downgraded further to a weak tropical low and is not expected to result in any significant coastal winds. Port entry was due to reopen at 0500 hours local time today (20 January) with the first inbound at 0530 to coincide with first light. VTS will coordinate port arrivals to ensure berthing priority before vessels returning to anchorage.
The port of Broome opened for shipping at 2100 hours local time yesterday (Monday 19 January). All Marine Operations will proceed as per amended bookings at COB today. The weather system no longer expected to reach cyclone intensity and is steadily tracking West of Broome. The Blue Alert has been cancelled for Broome/Kimberly.
The Port of Dampier was due to officially open at 0800 hours local time today.
For information about operations in Australia contact GAC Australia at shipping.australia@gac.com
Bridge blocked by striking shipowners
January 20, 2015, Colombia, Buenaventura
The El Pinal bridge, the only way in or out of Buenaventura, has been blocked since yesterday morning due to a strike by cabotage shipowners.
The strike is being staged in protest at the government’s non-fulfilment of promises regarding fuel subsidies. The blockage of the El Pinal Bridge has caused delays on the transportation of goods to and from Buenaventura as well as delays in the operation of vessels.
(For information about operations in Colombia,
and elsewhere in the Americas, contact the GAC Houston Hub Agency Center at hub.us@gac.com)
Source: Naves Colombia – GAC agent
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“Jo”
