Safety Measure – Pipeline Removal Operations MM 11 AHP LMR
VTS Safety Measure – Pipeline Removal Operations MM 11 AHP LMR
The Captain of the Port New Orleans is issuing a Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) Safety Measure for the waters of the Lower Mississippi River (LMR) at Mile Marker (MM) 11 Above Head of Passes (AHP) to protect persons and vessels from the potential safety hazards associated with the Gulf South pipeline removal operations. In-river operations to include multiple vessels – including anchored barges – will be working 24 hours per day and at times will impact the navigation channel. The following channel restrictions will be in effect:
Vessels shall check in with the Contact Pilot onboard the BB-80 on VHF-FM Channel 67 at the following locations for the latest navigation information and direction:
- Transiting Southbound: MM 28 AHP (Empire Locks)
- Transiting Northbound: MM 2 AHP (Pilottown)
| Date | Restrictions |
| August 21 – Sep 7
Working Hours: 24/7
No draft/transit restrictions |
Operations taking place outside the navigation channel. Vessels shall check in with the Contact Pilot on channel 67 for information and transit at their slowest safe speed. |
| September 8 - 16
In-channel Working Hours: 1700 – 0700
Vessels drafting over 35’ prohibited from transiting during working hours. |
Operations taking place in the navigation channel. Vessels are limited to one way traffic transiting the bypass channel along the LDB. Vessels shall check in with the Contact Pilot on channel 67 and proceed as directed. During working hours, vessels drafting greater than 35 feet are prohibited from transiting. |
| September 17 – 24
Working Hours: 24/7
No draft/transit restrictions |
Operations taking place outside the navigation channel. Vessels shall check in with the Contact Pilot on channel 67 for information and transit at their slowest safe speed. |
| September 25 – October 3
In-channel Working Hours: 1700 – 0700
Vessels drafting over 35’ prohibited from transiting during working hours |
Operations taking place in the navigation channel. Vessels are limited to one way traffic transiting the bypass channel along the LDB. Vessels shall check in with the Contact Pilot on channel 67 and proceed as directed. During working hours, vessels drafting greater than 35 feet are prohibited from transiting. |
| Boothville Anchorage
|
Boothville Anchorage South of MM 14 is closed to all vessels. |
| Back-up Date | If additional closure dates are required for operations, back-up dates will be identified after consultation with stakeholders and disseminated via email. |
Jake Voisine is the project manager and can be contacted or at (337) 296-6467.
Above dates may adjust. Updates will be disseminated via VTS email distribution and/or Safety Broadcast Notice to Mariners.
For further information, contact:
Sector New Orleans Command Center (24 hour): (504) 365-2545
Vessel Traffic Service (24 hour): (504) 365-2514, VHF FM Ch. 05A, 12, 67
Sector New Orleans Waterways Management: (504) 365-2280 or SecNOLA-WPM@uscg.mil
//signed//
CAPTAIN G. A. CALLAGHAN
Alternate Captain of the Port New Orleans
