| USCG Sector Corpus Christi held a Port Coordination Team (PCT) conference call at 1000 hours today to update the industry on the status of the Corpus Christi Ship Channel. Your WGMA Maritime Affairs team participated on the call and has the following report:
The latest information on this ongoing situation, as reported to industry representatives on the PCT conference call at 1000 hours today.
Ship Channel is currently under security zone restrictions as per MSIB 112-23 Update 2.
· USCG confirms the channel was shut down to all traffic at 0800 hours
· Vessels of less than 500 GT are still permitted to transit on slow bell
· Orion Marine advises the crane/spud barge arrived 0830 hours this morning
· The dive team is in position
· The USCG and TGLO are on site to review/approve dive & operation plans, and to observe the operation
· The dredge and barge have been repositioned to allow sufficient room to safe
· Anticipate divers in the water at 1030 hours
· Expect 3-5 hours to flip/upright the barge
· A multibeam survey will be conducted after the barge has been flipped to ensure no equipment remains on the barge
Agents are reminded to maintain close dialogue with the pilot dispatch and Harbormaster offices. Agents are also reminded to keep the eNOA/D’s updated for their vessels.
Another PCT conference call has been scheduled for 1500 hours today. Your Maritime Affairs team will participate on the PCT conference call and report to our membership afterwards. |
