News Alert
All
April 01, 2024
Notices
Good day,
Please note below received from our Baltimore Sub Agent, Capes Shipping:
Please note below updates as of 0830 hrs April 1st, 2024:
- Currently, it is uncertain how long port movements will be suspended. Prolonged delays are expected due to the magnitude of the situation.
- Local Pilots have advised that vessels currently anchored at Annapolis are not movement restricted and are able to sail, provided that USCG and USCBP formalities are completed with each respective agency.
- Local Pilots have advised that Tradepoint Atlantic Terminal is currently not movement restricted. The channel to TPA berth(s) is outside of the USCG Safety Zone presently in effect, subject to change.
- “The Captain of the Port (COTP) is preparing to establish a temporary alternate channel on the northeast side of the main channel in the vicinity of the Francis Scott Key Bridge for commercially essential vessels” (-KBR2024)
- “This action is part of a phased approach to opening the main channel. The temporary channel will be marked with government lighted aids to navigation and will have a controlling depth of 11 feet, a 264-foot horizontal clearance, and vertical clearance 96 feet.” (-KBR2024)
- “The current 2,000-yard safety zone around the Francis Scott Key Bridge remains in effect and is intended to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment. No vessel or person will be permitted to enter the safety zone without obtaining permission from the COTP or a designated representative.” (-KBR2024)
We will pass on information concerning resumption of vessel movements as soon as it’s provided to us by the Maryland Pilots and port authorities.
In the meantime, please find the attached/below current Sector Maryland NCR port condition update:
Sector Maryland NCR: Port Condition: Closed [Please see attached MSIB 036-24]
Effective immediately a safety zone is established for all navigable waters of the Chesapeake Bay within a 2000-yard radius of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The 948-foot Singapore-flagged vessel DALI struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26, 2024.
Please also reference the below website with up-to-date information regarding the response efforts of the Key Bridge Incident:
As advised, the timeline for resuming regular port operations uncertain and determined basis the information available by local authorities, and we expect this incident will affect port traffic for some time. Therefore, prospective berthing for future vessels is very unclear.
Our team is closely monitoring this situation and are actively communicating with local authorities and port officials to ensure we are as updated as possible.
We will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions concerning the situation and we will assist as best as possible.