MARITIME MATTERS – NOV. 2018

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MARITIME MATTERS – NOV. 2018

 

WE MOVED!!…in case anyone missed our prior notices, we can confirm that as of the AM of 29 OCT 2018 we have been operational at our new location of:

1201 Corbin Street

Elizabeth, NJ 07201

As previously advised, we will keep all of our prior telephone, fax, and internet addresses.

Although we still have a few unpacked boxes, the move went well, and although nothing could ever compare to our prior view of the Harbor, we now have a very active view of part of the Port, the double stack rail operations, truck activity, and Newark airport!

 

USCG

  • The explosive de-construction of Pier C of the old Goethals Bridge structure is scheduled for 1000-1100hr on NOV 11, 2018. VTS advises that the Kills channel will be closed for a short period to accommodate the de-construction. Other than a short, temporary closing, there is no other expected impact to the Channel.
  • Despite the many navigational and security challenges posed, the visit of the HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier to the Port from NOV 19-26 2018 went smoothly. USCG extends thanks to all impacted parties.
  • The de-construction of the remaining eastern span of the old Tappan Zee Bridge is still under study. The current concept is that in the absence of any viable mechanical solution, there will most probably be an explosive deconstruction which will not affect the main channel except for a probable brief closure during the actual explosion period. The current plan is that this work will take place sometime in Mid-December, with more accurate timing to be made available shortly.
  • Unfortunately, a Mariner was lost at sea from the vessel Northern Jaguar while the vessel was preparing a sideport to receive a Pilot. The Mariner, who was not wearing a PFD, was washed overboard when seas entered the sideport. A search was conducted by USCG, Sandy Hook Pilots and other to no avail.
  • In anticipation of the impending winter weather, USCG will hold its customary Ice Season Meeting on DEC 7. Full detail regarding time/place will be forthcoming, and we will relay that info to all MAPONY/NJ Members.
  • Also in consideration of winter conditions, USCG will commence placement/activation of seasonal ATONs (Aids TO Navigation) during the week of NOV 12-16, 2018
  • Despite some negative media comments, all parties were reminded that although there were congestion issues related to the opening/closing of the Hackensack River Bridge, the problem was NOT a “maritime” problem, but rather a problem with the failure of the bridge to operate properly.

 

NY/NJ Anchorage Study

  • Study continues with the joint USACE/PANYNJ plan to reevaluate the anchorage capacities of the NY/NJ Harbor after completion of the 50 ft Channel Deepening Project. The reevaluation is necessary due to the introduction of new generations of larger vessels than the Deepening Project had considered. The study will make recommendations for anchorage requirements for current, and projected future vessel needs. Anchorages have impacts on ALL vessels using the Harbor.
  • The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) issued a notice announcing that it plans to prepare a General Reevaluation Study (GRR) with an integrated environmental impact statement (EIS) to evaluate environmental impacts from reasonable project alternatives and to determine the potential for significant impacts related to the improvement of anchorages included in the federal navigation project for New York and New Jersey Harbor anchorages. A public scoping meeting will be held in New York on 8 November. Comments must be received by 10 December. 83 Fed. Reg. 54919
  • We will keep all parties advised regarding the progress of this vital study.

 

USACE

  • USACE continues to have their team work with all concerned stakeholders in the NY/NJ Harbor to determine current and future anchorage usage/need, and plans to have follow-up meetings in December.
  • USACE confirmed that in reply to the Williams permit application pertaining to the proposed Champlain Hudson Power Exchange (CHPE) project intending to place power transmission cables in the Hudson River that the USACE will require at least 15 ft burial of all such cables. This is an important step to preserve safe commercial navigation in the Hudson, and it is hoped that this will become the new “standard” fro placement of cables.
  • USACE reports that both the Newark Bay and Wards Point dredging projects have been completed, and expects to release post-dredging surveys shortly.
  • USACE is working with National Park Service to proceed with the necessary dredging to be done in Sandy Hook Channel.
  • Dredging at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal has been completed.
  • USACE is waiting to hear about removal of construction barge relating to the construction of the Staten Island Wheel project which has now been cancelled.

 

PANYNJ

  • PANYNJ is expecting to finish required dredging operations at Berths 76-92 before the close of 2018.
  • The long-awaited current meters are expected shortly. PANYNJ is awaiting deployment plans from NOAA. PANYNJ will follow-up with Sam DeBow of NOAA who is our acting NOAA Navigation Manager.
  • An updated and enhanced version of PortTruckPass (PTP), the Port of New York and New Jersey’s web based Port Community System portal, is expected to launch by November 19, 2018.
    PTP was developed by the container terminal operators in the Port of New York and New Jersey in partnership with the Port Authority of NY & NJ in 2014. It was the first common portal of its kind in the country allowing users (primarily truckers, beneficial cargo owners, shippers and NVOCCs) to more efficiently research information and plan activities associated with cargo transactions across multiple terminals.

 

NJDOT

  • NJDOT advised that they will have active oversight of NJ Freight and Rail operations and initiatives.
  • It is expected that NEPA requirements will require the Carteret Marina to undergo further public outreach as part of their project process.

 

SHIPPING 101

  • We are pleased to advise that the MAPONY/NJ FALL 2018 session of SHIPPING 101 is currently in session at the Seaman’s Church Institute facility in Port Newark with 18 students in attendance.

 

TLD CAREER OUTREACH

  • Efforts continue to make outreach to the public to inform them of the potential for jobs in the Transportation Logistics and Distribution Industries.
  • On October 4, 2018, the PANYNJ sponsored a TLD Job Fair at the Donald M Payne School of Technology in Newark, NJ.
  • On October 23, 2018, NYCEDC sponsored a TLD Career Fair at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal in Brooklyn with over 400 High School students in attendance.
  • This type of outreach is essential if the Industry is to attract a knowledgeable and efficient future workforce.

 

NYCEDC

  • With the continued success of the NYC Ferry System, NYCEDC is studying the potential to add additional services/landings to the System.
  • A study is underway to evaluate possible service extensions and landings, and a compilation of approximately 10 “best possible options” will be compiled. The possible proposed additions will be presented to our Harbor Safety, Navigation and Operations Committee for review and comment.
  • NYCEDC is planning to “update” its 2007 Maritime Support Services Survey. The updated study plans to expand the earlier study by adding additional service categories such as fueling locations, chandlers, marinas, launch services, pilots, agents, excursion vessels, etc. NYCEDC will reach out to various stakeholders to obtain required scope/data. MAPONY/NJ will work closely with NYCEDC to develop this project.
  • In conjunction with PANYNJ, NYCEDC will institute a North Atlantic Marine Highway Alliance which will seek to establish/enhance waterborne carrying capacity.

 

HUDSON RIVER

  • On October 2, 2018, the Hudson River Harbor Safety Navigation and Operations Committee held its first Full Committee meeting in Hyde Park, NY.
  • The meeting was well attended, and included reports from the Steering Committee, various Federal and State agencies, and discussion of several pertinent Hudson River topics.
  • The Committee seems to be off to a good start!!

 

TUG & BARGE DAY

  • On October 10, 2018, the Tow Boat and Harbor Carriers of the Port of NY/NJ once again sponsored the popular Tug & Barge Day at the Staten Island Homeport facility.
  • The committee once again hosted a large USCG contingent with opportunities for vessel boarding and training as well as interested industry personnel, and service providers and vendors.
  • The weather was perfect and all attendees enjoyed the event which also included a BBQ lunch and T-shirts!

 

OFFSHORE WIND

  • Both New York and New Jersey continue to promote offshore wind power development.
  • NJ is moving quickly to catch up to where NY is. As a result of the Murphy Administration taking control in NJ, NJ is aggressively seeking to develop offshore wind power capacity.
  • MAPONY/NJ has continued to meet with both NY and NJ entities in order to present the safety, security and operational requirements of the Maritime Industry.
  • Interested offshore wind power developers continue to meet with our Harbor Safety, Navigation and Operations Committee to present possible scenarios for evaluation and comment.

 

WMAB

  • The next meeting of the NYC Waterfront Management Advisory Board will be held on November 28, 2018. Discussion will include the updating of the NYC Waterfront Management Plan, which will include a multitude of topics including, secondary channels, maritime highway opportunities, dredging requirements, zoning, etc. E. Kelly of MAPONY/NJ is one of the members and will report updates.