The Captain of the Port New Orleans is issuing Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) Safety Measures to protect persons and vessels from the potential safety hazards associated with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ raising of the emergency Saltwater Barrier Sill at Lower Mississippi River Mile Marker (MM) 63.8 Above Head of Passes (AHP). The sill has been constructed to an elevation of minus 30’, with a 620’ wide, minus 55’ notch along the Left Descending Bank (LDB), allowing for deep draft vessels to transit. The following channel restrictions will be in effect beginning at 1000 on January 2, 2024:
1) All vessels drafting 25’ and greater are limited to one way traffic from MM 63.5 to 64.0 AHP, confined to a channel 620’ wide. The channel is marked on its corners by four buoys. All deep draft vessels transiting this zone shall proactively make passing arrangements to avoid meeting or overtaking between MM 63.5 and 64.0.
2) Vessels drafting less than 25’ are permitted and encouraged to transit through the area above the saltwater barrier sill, between Alliance Anchorage and the western channel buoys.
3) All vessels shall transit at their slowest safe speed between MM 63.5 to 65.5 AHP.
4) The lower 2,700’ of Alliance Anchorage is closed to all traffic.
The channel buoy locations are as follows:
1. 29 42 6.8585 N 089 58 33.4567 W MM 63.7 AHP
2. 29 42 4.0832 N 089 58 39.7273 W MM 63.7 AHP
3. 29 42 9.5576 N 089 58 42.9063 W MM 63.8 AHP
4. 29 42 12.333 N 089 58 36.6357 W MM 63.8 AHP
The Project Managers are Mike Hales, (337) 852-4066, and Avery Castille, (337) 342-5717.
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
