HOT PORT NEWS from GAC

Rock excavation & dredging in Kwai Tsing Container Basin
Friday, February 8, 2019, Hong Kong

For approximately 12 months, rock excavation and dredging works [are being] carried out within the area bounded by straight lines joining the following co-ordinates (WGS 84 Datum) from (A) to (D):
(A) 22 deg. 20.893’N / 114 deg. 07.175’E
(B) 22 deg. 20.784’N / 114 deg. 07.212’E
(C) 22 deg. 20.733’N / 114 deg. 07.038’E
(D) 22 deg. 20.842’N / 114 deg. 07.001’E

The works [are being] carried out by one drilling barge. One grab dredger, one split hopper barge and two tugboats [are assisting] in the works. The number of vessels engaged in the works will change from time to time to suit operational requirements.

A working area of approximately 150 metres around the drilling barge [is] established. Yellow marker buoys fitted with yellow flashing lights [are] laid to mark the positions of the anchors extending from the drilling barge.

The hours of work [are] round-the-clock.

Vessels engaged in the operations display signals as prescribed in international and local regulations.

Vessels navigating in the vicinity should proceed with caution.

(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.27 of 2019

Monsoon update (8 February)
Friday, February 8, 2019, North Queensland, Australia

The monsoon trough extends from the Gulf Country across the base of Cape York Peninsula to the east tropical coast, and should remain slow-moving through the remainder of today (8 February). A tropical low lies on the monsoon trough north of Georgetown and will weaken through the remainder of today.

A second tropical low lies on the monsoon trough in the Coral Sea, near Cardwell and is likely to move to the east-southeast in the coming days. To the north of the monsoon trough, a fresh to strong monsoonal flow persists across far northern Queensland.

Heavy falls remain possible in thunderstorms near the monsoon trough and tropical lows, but these should gradually clear offshore during today or early Saturday. A surface trough is expected to move eastwards across the state over the weekend with a slight to medium chance of showers and thunderstorms accompanying its passage

TOWNSVILLE:
Scattered rain showers continue around the Townsville region which have caused further flash flooding. The dam capacity has decreased to 159%, the dam gates are still open to their maximum setting. The monsoon trough is expected to move off the Qld Coast over the coming 2 days.Townsville Port is operational.

WEIPA:
Due to poor weather, the pilot launch is offline. All pilot transfers can only be conducted by helicopter.

ABBOT POINT COAL TERMINAL:
Berthing of vessels are currently suspended until further notice. The terminal is reviewing the weather conditions on a daily basis.Most likely, when operations return, vessels could berth out of turn depending on cargo availability at port stockpile area.

DALRYMPLE BAY COAL TERMINAL:
The terminal overnight has decided to re-schedule berthing movements until this afternoon due to poor weather conditions.

HAY POINT COAL TERMINAL:
The terminal resumed berthing operations this morning.

For information about operations at Australian ports, contact GAC Australia at [email protected]

Change in draft restrictions
Friday, February 8, 2019, New Orleans, United States

According to an update from the Louisiana Maritime Association, due to a lack of surveys, the BAR Pilots on station are limiting inbound and outbound transits to vessels drafting 40’ or less.

Survey boats are out working today (8 February).

For information about operations at ports in the United States, contact GAC North America at [email protected]

Source: GAC