As you are aware, the greater Houston area was impacted by Hurricane Beryl which came ashore as a Category 1 storm. Ports from Point Comfort through Houston (including Freeport, Galveston, and Texas City) saw damage in various forms along with substantial operational delays. Fortunately, the storm has passed and while recovery is underway, nearly 3 million homes and businesses lost power which has resulted in updates.

 

•            Houston, Galveston, Texas City and Freeport remain closed as of 1900/08th July.

•            USCG is working with stakeholders to affect a safe reopening of all channels.

•            USACE will be performing sonar surveys to assess drafts in the waterways. There is not a schedule, to present, on when which channels will be surveyed. Since there are multiple waterways with equally pressing needs, the Corps is doing their best to expedite this process.

o            Hopefully more will be known on 09th July about possible timings on when some surveys will be complete.

•            The various pilots’ associations are preparing to move ships soonest possible, pending USCG clearance to do so and likely commencing with more shallow drafts first, as is common in these situations.

•            Facilities along the waterway are likely preparing to resume cargo operations after doing their own assessments, surveys of their docks and pending any needful clearances from authorities.

•            Note that some areas of port properties had higher storm surge and/or flooding that has limited accessibility and possibly caused damage to some offices, control rooms, etc.

 

In summation, it is our understanding that :

a.           USACE surveys won’t viably begin in earnest until Tuesday, 09th July as they resume operations with sufficient staffing, equipment, etc.

b.           Deep draft ship movements won’t likely begin until Wednesday, 10th July after regulators, pilots, tugs, etc. are aligned on the safe reopening of the various channels. However, it is not impossible that some ships may begin moving Tuesday afternoon, all going well.

c.           While we are unaware of any terminals that suffered significant damage thus far, it’s understood that all terminals may not be able to commence cargo activities once the channel reopens.

 

Last, all of the above is basis the best info available at this time and very much subject to change. Vessels are reminded to ensure their ENOA filings are kept current, and will need to complete Post Hurricane Self-Assessments prior to leaving port.

 

Moran Shipping Agencies offers best wishes to all residents and businesses impacted by the storm. Our agents and offices are mobilized to support principals with ship movements soonest possible and will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. Feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns. Note that some staff may not be able to receive calls or reply immediately if they lack cellular coverage in certain areas impacted by the storm but emails sent to HOU@MoranShipping.com and GAL@MoranShipping.com are being monitored both locally and abroad so they can be replied to swiftly.