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01 Sep 2017 / Beaumont/Port Arthur/Orange/Lake Charles, United States

Sea Port Condition Recovery set

The Captain of the Port (COPT), Port Arthur, has set Port Condition Recovery for the ports of Beaumont, TX; Port Arthur, TX; Orange, TX; and Lake Charles, LA, including all tributaries and connecting waterways effective at 10:00am on August 31, 2017.

Restrictions on vessel movements within these port complexes will be managed by the Captain of the Port and Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) Port Arthur. Initial restrictions are based on visual waterway and “aids-to-navigation” (ATON) assessments conducted by Coast Guard and other public and private assets. Vessel movement restrictions will be evaluated and updated regularly as additional surveys are conducted. Extreme currents require the implementation of navigation restrictions.

The following restrictions are in effect on the Sabine-Neches Waterway:

  1. Vessels greater than 500 gross (GT) are limited to daylight hours only.
  2. A draft restriction of 30-feet for all waters of the Sabine-Neches Waterway.
  3. Inland towing vessels (push boats) shall ensure they have sufficient horsepower for the tow configuration given the reported currents. Tows greater than 800-feet are discouraged until currents subside.
  4. Oversize tow permits for loaded tows greater than 750-feet by 70-feet will not be issued until current conditions subside.
  5. Due to extreme currents, no meeting or overtaking between the Veteran’s / Rainbow Bridge and the West Port Arthur Hwy 87 Bridge. VTS Port Arthur will coordinate arrival at intersections with each vessel. Confirm approval before proceeding beyond your ability to hold position.
  6. Due to extreme currents at the West Port Arthur Hwy 87 Bridge, the following restrictions apply:
    a. Westbound tows greater than 1 loaded large will require prior VTS approval before transiting through the West Port Arthur Hwy 87 Bridge.
    b. Eastbound tows shall obtain VTS permission before transiting through the bridge to ensure sufficient spacing for ship channel traffic.
  7. All commercial vessels operating in the Port Arthur VTS Area are designated VTS Users. All VTS User movements shall be reported to VTS Port Arthur at least 15-minutes prior to sailing on channels 01A or 65A VHF-FM or by phone to (409) 719-5070.

Mariners are reminded to proceed with extreme caution. Available post-storm assessments indicate severe currents and hazards (debris) on the entire Sabine-Neches Waterway. Mariners are directed to report all wrecks, obstructions, oil spills, ATON discrepancies or other hazardous conditions to VTS Port Arthur.

Reports and questions may be directed as follows:

  1. For the Sabine-Neches Waterway: (409) 719-5070 or “Port Arthur Traffic” on VHF-FM 01A / 65A
  2. For the Calcasieu Waterway: (337) 912-0073.

(For information about operations in the USA contact GAC USA at [email protected])

Source: U.S. Coast Guard, Marine Safety Unit Port Arthur, Texas, Marine Safety Information Bulletin 13-17 issued August 31, 2017 – 10:00AM

If quoting any content from Hot Port News, please cite GAC Hot Port News as the source.

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