News Alert
All
April 04, 2024
Notices
Good day,
Please note below received and attached received from our Baltimore Sub Agent, Capes Shipping:
Please note below updates as of 0945 hrs April 4th, 2024:
- “Highly trained demolition crews are cutting the top portion of the north side of the collapsed bridge truss. Two crane barges, a 650-ton crane and a 330-ton crane, are actively working on scene. The removed wreckage is scheduled to be lifted and transferred to a barge this evening as daylight allows. A 230-ton land-based crane will offload and process the wreckage at Tradepoint Atlantic and will then be taken to a disposal site” – KBR2024
- “BGE has reduced pressure of the underwater natural gas pipeline to 35psi. The pipeline spans the width of the channel and runs under the incident site. The Unified Command is continuing to coordinate with BGE to inert the pipeline to free it from hazards and risk.” – KBR2024
- “Three dive teams with the Unified Command are surveying sections of the bridge and the M/V Dali for future removal operations.” – KBR2024
- “Trained crews, in conjunction with the Unified Command, are taking steps forward with operations and are conducting routine salvage assessments, while evaluating the safest and most effective routes. Divers are on scene to conduct underwater surveys along with mapping out plans for future wreckage removal” – KBR2024
- Effective immediately the Captain of the Port (COTP) has established a second temporary alternate channel near Hawkins Point for commercially essential vessels on the southwest side of the main ship channel in the vicinity of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. This action is part of a phased approach to opening the main federal channel. This new and temporary channel is marked with government lighted aids to navigation and will be limited to transit at the discretion of the COTP and during daylight hours only. This temporary channel has a controlling depth of 14 feet, a 280-foot horizontal clearance, and vertical clearance of 124 feet.
- There is still a safety zone being enforced. To obtain permission to enter the safety zone and transit through the temporary alternate channel, you must, as early as possible but no less than 4 hours prior to getting underway. Movements are subject to response and recovery efforts.
- Effective immediately the Captain of the Port (COTP) has established a temporary alternate channel near Sollers Point for commercially essential vessels on the northeast side of the main ship channel in the vicinity of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. This action is part of a phased approach to opening the main federal channel. This new and temporary channel is marked with government lighted aids to navigation and will be limited to transit at the discretion of the COTP and during daylight hours only. This temporary channel has a controlling depth of 11 feet, a 264-foot horizontal clearance, and vertical clearance of 95 feet. (Please find the attached for specified route)
- There is still a safety zone being enforced. To obtain permission to enter the safety zone and transit through the temporary alternate channel, you must, as early as possible but no less than 4 hours prior to getting underway. Movements are subject to response and recovery efforts.
- 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.
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.