Goethals Bridge
- Work continues on the “new” Goethals Bridge (GB)
- As the ‘traveller” cranes move toward the channel center, air draft will be reduced to 132-133 ft from the “normal” air draft of 135 ft
- It was noted that the RR Lift Bridge max air draft remains at 135 ft
- USCG VTS will give advisory notice to any vessel approaching the GB construction with a projected air draft over 130 ft
- Updated info will be provided to all Pilot organizations every Monday AM
- If necessary, VTS can arrange for move-on-demand with a 2 hour notice (on shift), or 6 hr notice (off shift) to provide a full 250 ft channel clearance
- All info is filed to Notice To Mariners.
- Noted that the “finished” air draft will be 137.22 ft
Ellis Island inshore passage
- After discussion, it was decided that HOPs would write a letter in support of the proposed Ellis Island inshore passage. MAPONY/NJ will also write in support of the proposed inshore passage which will increase small vessel safety by allowing an inshore route behind Ellis Island which will allow passage without travelling in the deep water, more trafficked area off shore Ellis Island.
New York Wheel Update
- The engineering firm MAMMOET handling the NY Wheel project confirmed that the wheel project is on schedule. The Wheel will be 630 ft tall, have 36 pods which will accommodate up to 40 passengers each, and will provide a 38 minute ride.
- South Brooklyn Marine Terminal is being utilized as the landing/staging facility where components will be landed and sub-assembled prior to being moved to the Staten Island construction site.
- It is planned that WEEKS will make 60-61 one-way barge trips from SBMT to SI to transport the assembled components
- A spud barge will be utilized at SI, during the transport phase, and will be removed when transport is completed. The spud barge will be placed well outside of the channel, and will be positioned perpendicular to the SI shoreline.
- The first SBMT/SI barge operation will commence during JAN, 2017
- Noted that the extensive LED lighting is fully programmable, and lights will be used to present nightly “light shows”.
- It will be expected that these light shows will attract recreational boaters, private ferries, and dinner boats. HOPs members will closely monitor to determine whether this will pose any problem for safe navigation of commercial vessels.
- Opening day is scheduled for Mid-June, 2018 with operational hours of 1000-2400hr each day
- HOPs will meet with NY Wheel personnel in the MAR/APR 2017 to monitor progress.
PSEG Power LLC
- PSEG Power LLC plans to construct a major power generation plant at their Sewaren facility in NJ on the Arthur Kill. It will be named the Sewaren Unit 7 Combined Cycle project.
- The major components will be fabricated/assembled near Albany (Coeymans Industrial Park), and barged to the construction site on the Arthur Kill
- On-site construction began Dec 1, 2016.
- The main unit which will be moved on barge is a single unit weighing 7.5 Million lbs, with an air draft of 131ft. This unit will be moved on a 400X100 ft barge.
- A landing facility is being constructed in Sewaren to facilitate barge securing/unloading operations. The proposed landing barge securing plan “may” require additional support, i.e. spudded barge configuration.
- The applicable USACE permit has been filed, and expected approval is projected for Feb, 2017
- Staged transport of smaller components will commence Apr-Aug, 2017 with transport of the main unit scheduled for Jun/Jul, 2017.
- A follow-up meeting will be scheduled with HOPs in Apr/May of 2017.
USCG
- Noted that USCG will have a review meeting with the Tappan Zee Bridge re-construction team on 7 Dec, 2016. It will be stressed that the West Draw MUST be opened as originally planned
- Noted that the Ice Season officially opens on 12 Dec, 2016. The Ice Season planning meeting was held at the USCG Chapel with all interested parties on 17 NOV.
- Sector NY has received a “draft” of the PAWSA (Port And Water Way Safety Assessment), and after review will release same to all participants.
- USCG will attend an 18 Jan, 2017 meeting with the Federal Rail and NEPA to have initial discussions regarding the possible concerns related to the construction of the new proposed Cross-Hudson Rail Tunnel.
- Developments related to President Elect Trump’s Manhattan residence were discussed. Of primary maritime concerns include: restricted navigation areas, projected 4-6/month helicopter arrival/departures, approx 20 people in Trump family who are entitled to security protection, and the possibility to use extensive water transport between heliport/midtown to reduce road congestion.
USACE
- East River South Brothers Is dredging will be completed this month.
- There was a 23ft “obstruction spot” noted by USACE in Feb, 2016 which was not reported until Dec, 2016. A survey has found that the “spot” was NOT confirmed, but issues were raised regarding better inter-agency communications between USACE, and NOAA, and timely notice to the maritime community.
- Permits were released for the Rockaways NYC City Wide Ferry service.
- Representatives of the CHPE cable project will meet with USCG and USACE to review problems posed by the USCG in relation to the CHPE proposed Navigation Assessment.
NOAA
- Noted that due to budgetary restraints, the proposed full KVK currents study has been postponed until the Summer of 2017.
- There was a robust discussion regarding the urgent need for updated current studies in the KVK because of the channel deepening, and the projected arrival of the large Post-Panamax vessels which will pose challenging navigational/safety issues.
- It was noted that it would be urgently necessary to replace current meter(s) in the Bergen Point area, and HOPs will follow up with NOAA HQ to ensure proper and timely placement of same. It is expected that these meter(s) will supplemental to our PORTS array, and may require some kind of additional cost.
- Noted that LCDR Megan McGovern will depart her duties as NOAA Area Navigation Manager, and will become Exec Officer on the NOAA vessel THOMAS JEFFERSON. A replacement has not yet been named. All Port personnel wish Megan fair winds and following seas!
Pipeline Removal Project
- Noted that WEEKS MARINE will commence the removal of the 2 defunct pipelines located south of the Goethals Bridge in the Arthur Kill on Monday, 12 Dec 2016. No adverse impact is expected due to the expected work schedule, the minimal channel obstruction, and the move-on-demand capability.