UPDATE 06SEPT23:
The Pipeline Removal at MM 11 AHP LMR and the Hopper Dredge Disposal Area (HDDA) MM 0-2 AHP LMR have been postponed until further notice. The Safety Measure for MM 11 remains in effect as follows: 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 the use of divers, multiple vessels – including anchored barges – will be working 24 hours per day and will impact the navigation channel. The following channel restrictions ARE in effect:
Vessels shall check in with the Contact Pilot onboard the BB-70 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)
Future schedule updates will be communicated via BNM, MSIB, and/or industry-wide emails.
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VTS Safety Measure – Pipeline Removal Operations MM 11 AHP LMR (Update 1)
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 the use of divers, multiple vessels – including anchored barges – will be working 24 hours per day and will impact the navigation channel. The following channel restrictions will be in effect:
Vessels shall check in with the Contact Pilot onboard the BB-70 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 26 – Sep 13
Working Hours: 24/7 One-way traffic schemes might be enacted |
Vessels shall check in with the Contact Pilot on channel 67 for information and transit at their slowest safe speed. One-way traffic schemes might be enacted. |
| September 13 – 17
In-channel Working Hours: 1700 – 0700: Draft Restrictions 0700-1700: One-way traffic schemes/no draft restrictions |
Operations taking place in the navigation channel. Vessels shall check in with the Contact Pilot on channel 67 and proceed as directed. Between 1700-0700, vessels drafting greater than 35 feet are prohibited from transiting. Vessels drafting 35 feet or less must use the bypass channel along the Left Descending Bank (LDB). Between 0700-1700, one-way traffic schemes may be enacted.
|
| September 17 – 30
Working Hours: 24/7 One-way traffic schemes might be enacted |
Vessels shall check in with the Contact Pilot on channel 67 for information and transit at their slowest safe speed. One-way traffic schemes might be enacted. |
| Sep 30 – Oct 4
In-channel Working Hours: 1700 – 0700 Draft Restrictions 0700-1700: One-way traffic schemes/no draft restrictions |
Operations taking place in the navigation channel. Vessels shall check in with the Contact Pilot on channel 67 and proceed as directed. Between 1700-0700, vessels drafting greater than 35 feet are prohibited from transiting. Vessels drafting 35 feet or less must use the bypass channel along the Left Descending Bank (LDB). Between 0700-1700, one-way traffic schemes may be enacted.
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| 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
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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:
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 |
