News Alert
All
April 08, 2024
Notices
Good day,
Please note below and attached received from our Baltimore Sub Agent, Capes Shipping:
Please note below updates as of 0830 hrs April 8th, 2024:
- “The Unified Command is concurrently progressing on its main lines of effort to remove enough debris to open the channel to larger commercial traffic, refloat the M/V Dali and continue recovery efforts for missing loved ones,” said Coast Guard Capt. David O’Connell, federal on-scene coordinator, Unified Command. “Every day we are working to achieve these goals safely and efficiently.” The removal of these containers is a critical step required to safely move the M/V Dali and eventually fully re-open the Fort McHenry Channel. Removing containers allows for safe access to then remove the pieces of the Key Bridge that lie across the ship’s bow, taking weight off the ship and ultimately allowing for the movement of the ship.
- While marine traffic is still limited, one vessel has transited through in the last 24 hours, totaling 32 since the creation of the temporary alternate channels.
- U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers (USACE) commanding general, Lt. Gen. Scott A. Spellmon, stated, “Thanks to the exhaustive work of the Unified Command during the last two weeks, including underwater surveys and detailed structural analysis of the wreckage, we’ve developed a better understanding of the immense and complex work that lies ahead… A fully opened federal channel remains our primary goal, and we will carry out this work with care and precision, with safety as our chief priority.” USACE expects to open a limited access channel 280 feet wide and 35 feet deep, to the Port of Baltimore within the next four weeks – by the end of April. This channel would support one-way traffic in and out of the Port of Baltimore for barge container service and some roll on/roll off vessels that move automobiles and farm equipment to and from the port. USACE engineers are aiming to reopen the permanent, 700-foot-wide by 50-foot-deep federal navigation channel by the end of May, restoring port access to normal capacity. Lt. Gen. Scott A. Spellmon added, “These are ambitious timelines that may still be impacted by significant adverse weather conditions or changes in the complexity of the wreckage… We are working quickly and safely to clear the channel and restore full service at this port that is so vital to the nation. At the same time, we continue to keep faith with the families of the missing and are working with our partners to help locate and recover their loved ones.” – USACE
- The Captain of the Port (COTP) has established two temporary alternate channels for commercially essential vessels: the Sollers Point Temporary Alternate Channel is located on the northeast side of the main ship channel and the Hawkins Point Temporary Alternate Channel is located on the southwest side of the main ship channel. Both are in the vicinity of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. This action was part of a phased approach to opening the main federal channel. These temporary channels are marked with government lighted aids to navigation and will be limited to transit at the discretion of the COTP and during daylight hours only.
- Due to updated surveys and waterway user feedback, these channels have had aids repositioned to facilitate transits through best water. The updated approximate locations of aids to navigation can be found in Broadcast Notice to Mariners, and in the near future found in the USCG Light List/Local Notice to Mariners.
- The Sollers Point Temporary Channel has a controlling depth of 11 feet, a 264-foot horizontal clearance, and vertical clearance of 95 feet.
- The Hawkins Point Temporary Channel has a controlling depth of 14 feet, a 280-foot horizontal clearance, and vertical clearance of 124 feet.
- You may not enter the safety zone described above unless authorized by the COTP or the COTP’s designated representative. 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. All movements are subject to response and recovery efforts.
- “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
- 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.