16Aug23 1500 ,MSIB XXIII, Issue 052: VTS Safety Measure – Pipeline Removal Operations – MM 11 AHP LMR
As a follow-up to MSIB XXIII, Issue 052: VTS Safety Measure – Pipeline Removal Operations – MM 11 AHP LMR, the following information is provided for additional clarification. This information is not intended to conflict with MSIB XXIII, Issue 052.
Gulf South pipeline removal operations are scheduled to start on August 21, 2023 and conclude on October 3, 2023. For the duration of the entire project, anchors will be placed in or near the navigation channel and will be adjusted between work phases. All vessels are requested to transit at slowest safe speed and to check in with the Contact Pilot onboard the BB-80 on VHF-FM Channel 67 at the following locations, or as close as possible to these locations, for the latest navigation information and direction:
- Transiting Southbound: MM 28 SHP (Empire Locks)
- Transiting Northbound: MM 2 AHP (Pilottown)
The use of divers will be used intermittently throughout removal operations and will be communicated via separate industry wide email and/or Broadcast Notice to Mariners (BNM).
From August 21, 2023 to October 3, 2023, the following navigation restrictions will be in effect:
August 21 – September 7:
- One-way traffic schemes might be enacted to facilitate work operations
September 8 – September 16:
- All vessels: one-way traffic scheme in place
- From 0700 – 1700: no draft restrictions
- From 1700 – 0700: vessels drafting greater than 35’ are prohibited from transiting; vessels must use the bypass channel along the Left Descending Bank (LDB)
September 17 – September 24:
- One-way traffic schemes might be enacted to facilitate work operations
September 25 – October 3:
- All vessels: one-way traffic scheme in place
- From 0700 – 1700: no draft restrictions
- From 1700 – 0700: vessels drafting greater than 35’ are prohibited from transiting; vessels must use the bypass channel along the Left Descending Bank (LDB)
Further updates may be provided via MSIB, VTS email distribution, and/or Safety Broadcast Notice to Mariners.
