As of today January 24, 2025, ice thickness reached an average of eight inches on sections of the Hudson River. As per 33 Code of Federal Regulations 165.165, vessels of less than 3,000 HP engaged in towing operations shall notify and request permission from Sector New York Vessel Traffic Service at (718) 354-4088 to transit the Hudson River between the Troy Locks Dam and the Dunn Memorial Bridge. The Coast Guard may authorize transits for the aforementioned vessels if their transit is in conjunction with scheduled Coast Guard icebreaking operations in the area, or operating with an assist tug or as part of a convoy, or otherwise specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port New York. Mariners are encouraged to review the “2024-2025 Ice Season” (CGAN 20224-042) advisory regarding the process with checking into VTS during this period located on Homeport(Pages - My Homeport Content).

 

The Coast Guard Domestic Ice Breaking Team would also like to thank all the operators and users in the Port of New York and New Jersey, and on the Hudson River for their coordination and communications this winter. Many vessels are already coordinating and notifying the Vessel Traffic Service of northbound and southbound Hudson River transits. Please continue that procedure, notification of transits improves overall awareness for all stakeholders and on-scene assets using the Hudson River, and it is greatly appreciated.

 

Please feel free to contact us anytime 24 hrs. a day at the below contact information should you have any questions whatsoever regarding the Port of NY/NJ or the Hudson River. All reports and questions should be directed to the Vessel Traffic Service or Sector Command Center at the following numbers: