The MAT Sinking operations at English Turn, MM 76.5 AHOP has been suspended at this time.  Those operations have moved to Gravolet, MM 50.4 AHOP as per below.

A VTS Measure for the LMR from MM 48.4 AHP to MM 51.4 AHP has been established for USACE revetment operations occurring along the left descending bank (LDB) near MM 50.4 AHP (Gravolet).

The revetment operations will be conducted daily from 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM from December 18 – 22 (See LAMA Note) and 26 – 28.

At the conclusion of daily operations, the platform will remain on-scene and will extend approximately 480’ from the LDB into the river at night.

Effective at 3:00 PM on December 18, 2018, this Measure is in effect with the following provisions:

• All vessels are prohibited from anchoring in Point Celeste Anchorage above MM 51.0 AHP LMR.
• All vessels with drafts 35’ and greater are restricted to one-way traffic at all times from MM 49.4 to MM 51.4 AHP LMR.
• All vessels shall transit at slowest safe speed to minimize wake from MM 48.4 to MM 51.4 AHP LMR.
• All vessels shall contact the USACE on-scene pilots stationed on the M/V HARRISON or M/V WILLIAM JAMES via VHF-FM Channels 67 or 82 to make passing arrangements.

(LAMA Note – USACE may end operations for the holidays on Friday, December 21 vice Saturday, December 22. Any updates will be provided upon receipt.)

LAMA Notice – Corps Revetment Operations Planned Move to Gravolet – (Click here)


The full USCG MSIB is below.

VTS Measure – Gravolet Revetment Operations MM 50.4 AHP LMR

Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) Lower Mississippi River, in accordance with the Navigation Safety Regulations, Code of Federal Regulations Title 33, Subpart 161.11, will establish a VTS Measure for the waters of the Lower Mississippi River from Mile Marker (MM) 48.4 Above Head of Passes (AHP) to MM 51.4 AHP.  This Measure is needed to protect persons and vessels from the potential safety hazards associated with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) revetment operations occurring along the left descending bank (LDB) near MM 50.4 AHP (Gravolet).  The revetment operations will be conducted daily from 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM from December 18 – 22 and 26 – 28.  At the conclusion of daily operations, the platform will remain on-scene and will extend approximately 480’ from the LDB into the river at night.

Effective at 3:00 PM on December 18, 2018, this Measure is in effect with the following provisions:

• All vessels are prohibited from anchoring in Point Celeste Anchorage above MM 51.0 AHP LMR.
• All vessels with drafts 35’ and greater are restricted to one-way traffic at all times from MM 49.4 to MM 51.4 AHP LMR.
• All vessels shall transit at slowest safe speed to minimize wake from MM 48.4 to MM 51.4 AHP LMR.
• All vessels shall contact the USACE on-scene pilots stationed on the M/V HARRISON or M/V WILLIAM JAMES via VHF-FM Channels 67 or 82 to make passing arrangements.

Updates and/or changes will be disseminated via VTS email distribution and/or via Safety Broadcast Notice to Mariners.

For further information, contact:

Coast Guard Sector New Orleans Command Center: (504) 365-2200
Coast Guard Waterways Management: (504) 365-2280
Vessel Traffic Service Lower Mississippi River: (504) 365-2230, VHF FM Ch. 05A, 12, 67


CAPTAIN K. M. LUTTRELL
Captain of the Port New Orleans