| The U.S. Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) conducted a Port Coordination Team (PCT) conference call at 0900 hours this morning to brief stakeholders on the impacts of gale force winds on vessel traffic within the Houston-Galveston Sector. The WGMA Maritime Affairs team participated in the call and provides the following summary for our membership.
National Weather Service Update
· Strong winds today, subsiding Tuesday
· Gale Warning in effect until 12:00 PM for bays and 6:00 PM for coastal waters.
· North winds 25–35 knots, with gusts up to 40–45 knots.
· Winds expected to decrease later today into tomorrow.
· Seas currently 6–13 feet, subsiding to 3–6 feet Tuesday and 1–3 feet by late Tuesday night.
· Gale Warning will downgrade to a Small Craft Advisory at 12:00 PM (bays) and 6:00 PM (Gulf waters).
· Low Water Levels (Galveston Bay through Tuesday)
· Tide levels expected between -1.0 to -1.5 feet MLLW.
· Outlook
· Possible sea fog on Friday.
· Another cold front anticipated Saturday morning.
Vessel Traffic Service Update
· Bunkering operations are on hold until the Gale Warning expires.
Port Planning Updates
· Dead ship arrival delayed from today to December 30 (no restrictions for other vessels).
· Crane barge operation postponed to December 31 (no restrictions for other vessels).
· Gantry crane vessel transit rescheduled to January 7.
· Texas City and GIWW Channel closure planned for January 7 for pipe removal (daylight operations only).
· Ongoing plane crash investigation has not impacted vessel or tow traffic.
· Air monitoring continues due to a chemical release near Jacinto Port.
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For questions, contact the VTS Watch Supervisor at 281-464-4837.
Industry Updates
· Industry representatives discussed priorities; no significant issues were reported.
Pilot and Tug Updates
· Brazos Pilots: 3 arrivals pending; 2 wind-restricted.
· Galveston–Texas City Pilots: Cruise ships arriving this morning; one vessel held until winds subside this afternoon.
· Houston Pilots: Anticipated surge in traffic as conditions improve; Bayport wind-restricted vessel expected to move this afternoon.
· Harbor Tugs Availability:
· Houston: 21
· Galveston: 6
· Freeport: 6
At this time, no additional PCT calls are anticipated.
WGMA Maritime Affairs Team |
