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HOT PORT NEWS from GAC

Activation of crew change hub
Thursday, November 26, 2020, Davao, Philippines

The Philippines Department of Transportation has advised that Davao has been activated as a hub for crew changes.

For crew change protocol at Davao and other details, as well as information about operations in the Philippines, contact GAC Philippines at [email protected]

Submarine outfall inspection off River Trade Terminal, Tuen Mun
Thursday, November 26, 2020, Hong Kong

For approximately 2 weeks, submarine outfall inspection works will be carried out within the area bounded by straight lines joining the following co-ordinates (WGS 84 Datum) from (A) to (D):
(A) 22° 21.309’N / 113° 56.184’E
(B) 22° 21.286’N / 113° 56.237’E
(C) 22° 20.875’N / 113° 56.027’E
(D) 22° 20.898’N / 113° 55.974’E

The works will be carried out by one work boat and one survey boat. One guard boat will provide assistance.

A working area of approximately 25 metres around the work boat will be established. Yellow marker buoys fitted with yellow flashing lights will be laid to mark the positions of the anchors extending from the work boat.

The hours of work will be from 0800 to 1800 hours. No works will be carried out on Sundays and public holidays. Vessels employed for the works will not stay in the works area outside the hours of work.

Diving operations will be carried out from time to time during 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 of the works area at slow speed, bearing in mind there are divers working in the works area.

(For information about operations in Hong Kong, contact GAC Hong Kong at [email protected])

Source: Government of the Hong Kong SAR Marine Department Notice No.170/2020

Establishment of silt curtain at Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter
Thursday, November 26, 2020, Hong Kong

For approximately 3 months, a silt curtain, extending from the sea surface to the seabed, will be established within the area bounded by straight lines joining the following co-ordinates (WGS 84 Datum) from (A) to (C) and the adjacent shoreline:
(A) 22°17.054’N / 114°11.175’E
(B) 22°17.077’N / 114°11.251’E
(C) 22°17.072’N / 114°11.253’E

The silt curtain is a large piece of netting used to contain mud and sediments. Yellow marker buoys fitted with yellow flashing lights will be laid to mark the extent of the silt curtain.

Diving operations will be carried out from time to time during the laying and removing of the silt curtain.

Vessels navigating in the vicinity should proceed with caution and keep clear of the silt curtain at slow speed, bearing in mind there are divers working around the silt curtain.

(For information about operations in Hong Kong, contact GAC Hong Kong at [email protected])

Source: Government of the Hong Kong SAR Marine Department Notice No.171/2020

Cyclonic storm makes landfall
Thursday, November 26, 2020, Tamil Nadu coast, India

Very severe Cyclonic Storm ‘Nivar’ made landfall near Puducherry in the early hours of this morning (26 November), bringing heavy rains to the region and parts of Tamil Nadu. Nivar weakened into a severe cyclonic storm after it crossed the coast near Puducherry.

The ports of Chennai, Ennore, Karaikal and Kattupalli have lowered signal warnings, although vessel movements have not yet commenced. Chennai port plans to resume operations from noon today as weather improves.

Port operations at Kakinada Deep Water and Anchorage Port remain suspended since 25 November. Warning signal No.2 is hoisted.

Heavy rainfall continues at Krishnapatnam and the same weather expected to continue for next 48 hours. Re-berthing of vessels shifted to OPL will begin as the situation normalises.

For information about operations in India, contact GAC India at [email protected]

Impact of general strike on port operations
Thursday, November 26, 2020, India

Workers at some ports in India have joined the nationwide general strike called today (26 November) by India’s National Open Mass Convention of Workers.

At Vizag, dock labour have not reported for duty and stevedores have not engaged private winchmen to operate ships’ gear. As a result, cargo operations are standstill at conventional berths.

Due to agitation outside the port gates at Paradip, outward movements and inter port movements are affected.

At other ports, the impact of the strike has minimal with port operations happening as usual.

For information about operations in India, contact GAC India at [email protected]

Container ship grounded
Thursday, November 26, 2020, Suez Canal, Egypt

A 199,744 DWT container ship ran aground at 84Km of the Suez Canal at 10:09 hours local time this morning (26 November) after suffering a blackout or steering failure while in transit from the Mediterranean to the Red Sea.

The vessel was part of the second southbound convoy. 24 vessels in front of it were not affected by the grounding, but the nine behind it were. The northbound convoy is currently anchored at Bitter Lakes.

Suez Canal tugs were engaged immediately and are currently refloating/escorting the ship to towards Suez.

For information about operations in the Suez Canal, contact GAC Egypt at [email protected]

Updated list of exempt countries
Thursday, November 26, 2020, Pakistan

The Pakistani authorities have revised the earlier list of countries that are exempted from mandatory COVID-19 testing.

Effective from tomorrow (27 November), the number of exempt countries is reduced from 22 to 21. Further, Denmark has been put in a new category “C”, for which the passengers will need to take mandatory RT-PCR test before they start to travel to Pakistan (maximum 96 hours old) and upon landing in Pakistan.

The list is updated fortnightly by the Ministry National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination based on disease burden of COVID-19. Details can be found at http://covid.gov.pk/intl_travellers/current_policies

For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in Pakistan, contact GAC Pakistan at [email protected]

Newly dredged navigation channel
Thursday, November 26, 2020, Mongla, Bangladesh

Mongla Port Authority has opened the newly dredged navigation channel at outer bar area for all sea going vessels date on a trial basis.

Until further instructions, vessels with 9.0 m draft can enter/depart through the new channel (Anchorage area Harbaria-12, Harbaria -13 & Sundorikota 2 to 6).

Vessels with 9.5 m draft can also enter/depart through new channel (Anchorage area Harbaria 12 to 13 & Sundorikota 5 & Sundorikota 6).

All are requested to contact Hiran Point Pilot Station for further instructions before arrival at Mongla Fairway Buoy.

For information about operations in Bangladesh, contact GAC-Uniglobal Bangladesh at [email protected]

Source: GAC

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