| The US Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston’s Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) held a Port Coordination Team (PCT) conference call this morning at 0900 hours to update all concerned about the situation with the dense fog and its effects on vessel/ship traffic in Houston Galveston Sector. Your WGMA Maritime Affairs team participated on the call and has the following report for our membership:
National Weather Service:
· Patchy for will continue to be possible through Sunday morning, but warmer water temperature and SSW wind is helping to limit fog potential – especially during the daytime hours.
· Greatest threat to sea fog will be during the overnight to early morning hours.
· A cold front is expected to push off the coast early Monday morning (12am-5am) bringing strong northwesterly winds.
· Sustained winds of 20-30 knots with gusts 35-45kt will be possible Monday morning through Monday night. A Gale Watch is in effect late Sunday night – Monday afternoon.
· Very rough Bay waters and seas of 10-15ft will be possible.
· Gusty winds possibly continue into Tuesday morning with lingering elevated seas.
Other Weather Commentary:
We’re seeing additional areas of patchy fog this morning, due to warm air moving over coastal waters and this pattern is likely to continue through at least Sunday morning. Once the fog dissipates Sunday night into Monday morning, we’ll experience mostly sunny skies as cooler temperatures approaches highs in the 50’s.
Vessel Traffic Service:
Anticipate the following measures to be put in place:
1- Tow vessels to maintain 2000 yards of separation with other tow vessels while transiting between Lynchburg and Morgan’s Point.
2- Tow vessels to maintain 2000 yards of separation with other tow vessels while transiting in the intracoastal waterway between Mile Marker 345 and Mile Marker 355.
3- Tow vessels to maintain 2000 yards of separation with other tow vessels while transiting between the intracoastal waterway and Morgan’s Point.
4- Check in’s to be based on overall user saturation throughout the Vessel Traffic Service Area and may be delayed. Mariners should anticipate delays in movement and keep their radios tuned to VHF Ch 05A for available check in periods. Vessels should be ready to move within 15 minutes of checking in to avoid delays and/or potential revocation of movement check in. For any questions, please contact the VTS Watch Supervisor 281- 464-4837.
Various industry representatives discussed their priorities; little was noted.
USCG:
Around 1 million gallons of uncontrolled release of sulfuric acid was that impacted the area of Jacinto Port, closed adjacent docks due to vapor cloud. Situation continues to improve with no impact to ship channel.
Brazos Pilots:
· Return to normal operations.
Galveston-Texas City Pilots:
· Return to normal operations.
Houston Pilots:
· Went two-way traffics this morning at 0700 hours.
· 14 arrivals
· 2 sailings
· 1 shift
Harbor tugs: 21 in Houston, 6 in Galveston & 6 in Freeport
Standing by for operations to start when conditions permit.
Another PCT conference call has been scheduled for 0900 hours on Monday, December 29th, to provide information on expected Gale Force winds. Your WGMA Maritime Affairs team will participate on Monday’s call and report to our membership. |
