USA

The Association has now been advised that the oil spill restrictions in respect of this incident have been suspended.

This follows Marine Safety Information Bulletin (MSIB) XIV Issue 011.

It has been reported that the Captain of the Port (COTP) of New Orleans has rescinded all restrictions and requirements relating to the oil spill that occurred at approximately 17:00 22 February 2014. Mariners may therefore resume normal operations on all waterways in the COTP New Orleans zone. The self-assessment requirement is also rescinded.

For additional information, contact the following:

• Coast Guard Sector New Orleans Command Center: (504) 365-2200
• Coast Guard Waterways Management: (504) 365-2280

25 February 2014

The Association would like to alert Members to a serious development in respect of an incident in the Mississippi River on 22 February 2014.

It is understood, from USCG bulletins, that two vessels collided near MM 154 AHP resulting in a release of a significant amount of light crude oil in to the Mississippi River. Up to 31,500 gallons may have been lost in to the water.

That has had immediate environmental consequences and vessels between MM 155 and MM 90 may have sustained hull fouling.

Any Member's vessel so affected needs to report this to the Incident Command Post through the Vessel Traffic Service (VTS).

Furthermore, to quote the USCG :

QUOTE

To facilitate decontamination, prevent further environmental and vessel contamination, and to expedite the resumption of River traffic, the Captain of the Port (COTP) New Orleans has implemented the following:

All vessels within the contaminated area (MM 155 - MM 90 AHP) are required to complete the Contamination Self-Assessment Certification form (attached below) and fax or e-mail it to VTS: fax # (504) 365-2519, e-mail D08-PF-VTSNEWORLEANS-LMR@USCG.MIL. Only one form is required per vessel. Towing vessels may use one form to account for all barges in tow by listing the name of each barge in the tow on the form with the name of the towing vessel. If a vessel is determined to be contaminated and as operations permit, please include photographs of the hull.

The COTP will allow vessels to transit to/ from berths and anchorages within the affected area (MM 155 - MM 90 AHP) after checking in with VTS. All vessels within the contaminated area are limited to transits there within, until further notice. No vessels may enter or depart the contaminated area without permission of the VTS.

Vessels between the Huey P. Long Bridge and MM 90 AHP are allowed to transit down river with the following conditions; receipt of a Contamination Self-Assessment Certification form certifying the vessel's hull as clean, and VTS clearance.

For additional information, contact the following:

Coast Guard Vessel Traffic Service Lower Mississippi River: (504) 365-2230
Coast Guard Command Center: (504) 365-2544

UNQUOTE

Furthermore, there has been a "Blanket Delay in Departure Notice" from the Port of New Orleans, specifically they have stated that:

QUOTE

The CBP Area Port Director has approved a blanket Delay in Departure for those vessels unable to depart the lower Mississippi River due to the river closure in light of the oil spill on Saturday 22 February 2014.

The blanket Delay in Departure grants an additional 24 hours for vessels to depart port after clearance has been granted, i.e. allows a vessel up to 72 hours to sail after clearance.

Example: The delay in departure for a vessel's clearance granted on Saturday 22 February 2014 allows until Tuesday 25 February 2014 for the vessel to depart.

There is no requirement to have a Vessel Entrance and Clearance Specialist (VECS) stamp/annotate a vessel's clearance "Delay in Departure" when a blanket Delay in Departure has been authorized.

If a vessel cannot depart within 72 hours the original clearance should be surrendered to the Marine Desk which granted the clearance, and cancelled. A fax copy of the clearance will not be accepted.

A delay in departure does not provide additional time for filing complete outbound manifests and export declarations.

UNQUOTE

Any Member affected by this situation should not hesitate to contact the Association, in particular the New York office of Skuld:
E-mail : ny@skuld.com
Telephone: +1 212 758 9200 (24 hours)

For further information, please contact the Association: lossprevention@skuld.com

Attachment:MSIB XIV Issue 011 Oil Spill Restrictions Suspended