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) 189.5 Above Head of Passes (AHP) to protect persons and vessels from the potential safety hazards associated with the Enterprise pipeline removal operations. The following channel restrictions and/or closures will be in effect:
Date Closure and/or Restrictions
October 4-16 No channel closures. Slow bells may be required during certain times. Industry notified via Broadcast Notice to Mariners (BNM)
October 17-22 River closed to all traffic from 1900 – 0700. River open w/no restrictions from 0700-1900.
October 23-25 No channel closures. Slow bells may be required during certain times. Industry notified via BNM
October 26-31 River closed to all traffic from 1900 – 0700. River open w/no restrictions from 0700-1900.
November 1-3 No channel closures. Slow bells may be required during certain times. Industry notified via BNM
November 4-8 River closed to all traffic from 1900 – 0700. River open w/no restrictions from 0700-1900.
November 9-15 Reserved dates pending any final removal operations. Industry notified via VTS/BNM.
Vessel Traffic Service New Orleans has established the following guidelines:
– Southbound traffic check in with VTS at MM 205
– Northbound traffic check in with VTS at MM 167
– Tows (>20 barges) should be mindful of limited safe mooring areas South of the I-10 bridge during closure periods.
Vessel Traffic Service, in close coordination with Enterprise, River Pilots, and LOMRC will manage the vessel queue to minimize transit delays. Mariners are urged to monitor Channel 5A for updates to the schedule.
M/V LB SPEEDY will be the on-scene lead vessel and can be contacted via VHF-FM Channels 67 or at (601) 604-5757.
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
Waterways Management: (504) 365-2280 or SecNOLA-WPM@uscg.mil
