Channel limitations for dredging operations

30 Oct 2023 / Valero Port Arthur, Motiva Port Arthur & Oxbow, United States

Dredging operations are being conducted in the Taylor Bayou basin until March 2024. Channel transits will be limited to a four-hour window, from 1600 to 2000 hours, for a week during the operation.

The entirety of the Taylor Bayou basin will be dredged. When the Dredge HERIBERTO CORDOVA is working in confined areas that do not permit concurrent vessel traffic and dredge operations, the basin will be closed to all traffic (including tugs and barges) except for scheduled and published daily openings. The schedule will be updated as the project proceeds and any major changes to the channel opening windows will be disseminated by Marine Safety Information Bulletin.

When traffic restrictions are in place, as per the below schedule, there will be a planned opening from 4.00pm to 8pm daily when the HERIBERTO CORDOVA will cease operation and stand aside for four hours in a safe location.

SCHEDULED WATERWAY CONTROL MEASURES:
28 October – 6 November: Dredging in Schedule 1; Section 1
Taylor Bayou: Open 4pm to 8pm each day

Throughout the dredge project, tug and barge traffic will be limited to single wide tows. To the extent possible, tows should use the scheduled openings for access to facilities.

Ships are asked to provide a 2-hour notice confirming their planned transit.

Barge tows are asked to provide a minimum 30-minute notice of their planned transit.

Concerned traffic may contact VTS Port Arthur for status updates on VHF-FM 01A or 65A, by email at [email protected] or by phone at (409) 719-5070.

For information about operations in the United States, contact GAC North America at [email protected]

If quoting any content from Hot Port News, please cite GAC Hot Port News as the source.