All,
On December 12, 2024, Houston Pilots imposed a draft restriction of 39’FW on large container vessels (LOA greater than 1000’ or beam greater than 138’) required to back into Barbours Cut 1, 2, & 3. These restrictions were imposed due to shoaling in the northside of the Barbours Cut entrance flare. Vessels which are permitted to turn in the Barbours Cut turning basin are unaffected by this restriction.
As an interim policy, Houston Pilots developed safety mitigations that would allow deeper ships into Barbours Cut to accommodate vessels in transit prior to when the restriction was implemented. Effective 2/28/25, we will no longer facilitate vessels over 39’ to Barbours Cut until the shoaling is removed in Barbours Cut flare.
Captain Clint Winegar | Presiding Officer
Office: 281-476-8204
24/7 Dispatch: 713-645-9620, ext.3
