MARITIME MATTERS – February 2018

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MARITIME MATTERS – February 2018


USCG:

  • The Hudson River PAWSA result has been forwarded to Sector NY for input, thence returned to District 1 for finalization. The result report should be available to participants shortly.
  • SNY reported that they felt good progress was made at the initial framing meeting of the Hudson River Harbor Safety Committee that was held on 25 Jan 2018. USCG thanked Messrs McGovern, Fusco, and Kelly who explained the workings of the MAPONY/NJ sponsored NY/NJ Harbor Safety Navigation and Operations Committee.
  • Subsequent to further meetings between USCG and NPS, it appears likely that there will be a move to allow navigational passage of human powered craft under the Ellis Island access bridge. It is expected that a Notice of Proposed Rule Making will be issued in the near future. All concerned parties are urged to comment accordingly.
  • Noted that the Con Ed cross Hudson cable has been found to be leaking a small amount of dielectric fluid. This cable will be put out of service and replaced within a month.
  • Advised that BOEM will host a seminar in the Baltimore area regarding ocean-bottom leasing on MAR 5-6, 2018
  • USCG has just received the initial permit application for the proposed Stand-Up Paddler event which would take place on SEP 15, 2018 if the permit is granted. The Paddler event promoters have been directed to meet with both Harbor Ops, and the Passenger Vessel sub-Cttee to become familiar with local commercial navigation concerns.
  • On Feb 21, 2018 USCG held a Facility Security Day. Details had been circulated by MAPONY/NJ.

 

USACE:

  • Advised that sampling is still being done for the Wards Point project. Results should be available within one month, which will determine disposal requirements. It was noted that this project was not yet funded, and dredging may not commence until October of this year. Mariners reiterated that this project posed significant safety concerns.
  • Sandy Hook dredging was to be expected to be completed by late FEB or early MAR.
  • Newark Bay dredging of 40 and 50 ft areas is expected to be done during Summer, 2018.

 

PANYNJ:

  • Noted that Berth 94/96 APM and Global are being dredged to 50 ft, and NEAT is being dredged to 40ft.
  • Hydrographic Soundings for PA facilities are completed and PA will provide a copy to the Deep Draft Sub-Cttee for their information.
  • The Stevens Institute proposal for the below-surface current study is still under discussion with an outcome expected shortly.
  • The contract with NOAA for the current meters under PORTS is expected to be complete shortly, with 3-4 months expected for operational start.
  • On 5 Feb, in partnership with NYSA, the CPP held a luncheon meeting and outlined the current state of the port, and highlighted the many accomplishments of the CPP.

 

CONRAIL Lehigh Valley Drawbridge

  • Due to continued problems to have the CONRAIL Lehigh Valley Drawbridge raised to facilitate marine traffic, a temporary regulation has been in effect from JAN 1-MAR 31, 2018 to require that the LV bridge must be raised whenever a vessel has given a minimum one hour notice of intent to pass.
  • Due to increased traffic necessitating CONRAIL to use the span for both transit and operational reasons, there have been some unacceptable delays to marine traffic, which should have precedence.
  • Both CONRAIL management and USCG D1 Bridge are monitoring the results of the temporary test period in order to evaluate how to resolve any issues.
  • Mariners are reminded that they should advise UCSG VTS in any case where they have been delayed.

 

NYC EDC

  • NPS and EDC are undertaking a project to rehabilitate the Battery Seawall.
  • The project is expected to commence Mid-Late March, and continue through the end of the year.
  • Work will start at Pier A and then move south/east.
  • Work will only be done at night to minimize navigational interference
  • USCG will notify if any low-wake areas/times are imposed.

 

Off Shore Wind Energy

  • The NJ Governor has indicated that NJ will be more welcoming to Off Shore Wind Energy proposals.
  • Any movement will be closely monitored so as to provide timely input regarding maritime concerns and requirements.
  • It was noted that NY State interests had already visited SUNY Maritime to observe simulated transits, and had seen the potential for set-backs and possible radar distortions.
  • USCG HQ is preparing a coastal reply to BOEM, and will present navigational concerns, as well as AIS tracks, and the outcome of the recent Atlantic Coast Port Access Route Study.
  • MAPONY/NJ and others will continue to reach out to regulators and legislators to express concern, and offer information.

 

Passenger Vessel Sub-Cttee

  • During the 14 FEB meeting the sub cttee gave advice to the Stand-Up Paddler event promoters, advised all parties to look for and make comment on the soon-to-be-issued NPRM for the passage of vessels under the Ellis Island access bridge.
  • Noted that there have been no new reported incidences of problems with lasers and/or drones
  • Noted that the nynjwake website remains operational, and that any reported complaints are being responded to in a timely manner.

 

SHIPPING 101

  • MAPONY/NJ will hold the Spring 2018 semester of SHIPPING 101 at the Seamen’s Church Institute in Port Newark during the week of April 16-20, 2018.
  • Contact MAPONY/NJ for additional information

 

NYC Waterfront Issues

  • As previously reported, it has been noted that the NY City Council has eliminated the long-standing Waterfront Committee, and has relegated Maritime concerns to the Sub-Committee on landmarks, Public Siting, and Maritime Uses, which is under the Committee on Land Use.
  • In order to continue a strong focus on the needs of the commercial maritime industry, MAPONY/NJ testified before the NYC City Council Committee on Economic development at City Hall on Feb 6, 2018. A copy of our testimony can be seen here.
  • On Feb. 8, MAPONY/NJ met with Council Member Adrienne Adams and her senior staff to review the importance of the commercial maritime industry to the economic well-being of NYC. Council Member Adams is the new Chair of the Sub-Committee on landmarks, Public Siting, and Maritime Uses. Our update and our offer to provide further info/insight were greatly appreciated.

 

Shared Harbor Day

  • The Education Sub-Cttee of the MAPONY/NJ Harbor Safety, Navigation and Operations Committee will hold a Shared Harbor Day on March 24, 2018. The event will be programmed to facilitate interaction between various waterborne stakeholders in our Harbor, and will include professional commercial mariners, recreational boaters of motor, sail, and human powered vessels, regulatory bodies, and others.
  • We are pleased to thank the folks at HORNBLOWER who have graciously donated the use of one of their boats for the forum!
  • Informational flyers will be distributed shortly.