MARITIME MATTERS – JANUARY 2019
USCG
- USCG has maintained all essential services throughout the Government Shutdown period
- The old Tappan Zee Bridge span on the Eastern side was demolished via an explosive demo plan on Jan 15, 2019. The demo plan had the span drop onto a network of chains so that the span could be lifted and moved for remote deconstruction. The full 600ft channel is now open. The Western span is subject to further study before being deconstructed.
- The Portal Bridge continues to be a point of contention. The source of the problem is that the bridge is old, and has apparently not been kept in a state of good repair, thus causing the bridge to become stuck at times, and therefore disrupt commuter train service/schedules. The maritime industry only requires this bridge to be raised approx 1-2 times per month. Currently USCG and Industry are attempting to minimize rush-hour opening requests, and are giving 24 hr notice for opening requirements. It is essential that this bridge remain operational to preserve navigational capacity. Noted that the USCG Bridge Unit in D1 has been closed during the furlough period.
- With the extreme cold weather, fast ice is present on the upper Hudson River. As a previously advised, the USCG Ice Season Guidelines are in effect. The USCG Ice Sector Command Center can be reached at: tel: 718-354-4356
- USCG efforts to coordinate with BOEM regarding Offshore Wind Safety Guidelines are on hold while BOEM is furloughed.
- On Feb 2, 2019 in honor of the Chinese New Year there will be a 20 minute fireworks display from a moored barge.
- Due to the furlough, any Mariners needing to update their medical status or license should send all required paperwork to the NMC for processing.
USACE
- As a part of DoD, USACE remains funded during the shutdown.
- The Anchorage Study is continuing with a report expected this Spring.
- Newark Bay work has finished. Maintenance for the 50 and 40 f sections will occur during the Summer/Fall of this year.
- Sandy Hook work will be done during this Winter, or moved to Summer/Fall due to environmental restrictions. USACE is working with US Park Service, but difficulties have occurred due to the furlough at US Parks Service.
- East Rockaway is scheduled for an RFP soon.
PANY/NJ
- The North America Marine Highway Alliance has been formed to study possible service route for coastal shipping operations.
- A review of all PANY/NJ berths will be conducted.
NYC EDC
- EDC has presented the plan for an expansion of the NYC Ferry system. The expanded network will now include service to Staten Island, the Upper West Side of Manhattan, and a further reach to the Bronx and Jamaica Bay. The expanded service pattern will result in the addition of 6 vessels during peak periods.
- EDC has distributed a questionnaire designed to facilitate the update of their Maritime Support Services study.
- EDC is planning work at Hallets Cove designed to make environmental improvements, and create a kayak launch platform. Due to the proximity of the planned kayak launch platform to an existing NYC Ferry landing, extreme care will be taken to ensure mixed use waterway safety protocols are in place.
OFFSHORE WIND
- BOEM has announced the sale of extensive acreage off the Massachusetts shore for a sum in excess of $400 million. It was noted that the sale did NOT provide for requested setbacks, or pass-through zones.
- NY State has created an Offshore Wind Maritime Technical Group to discuss maritime requirements in/around potential offshore wind areas currently under consideration in the NY Bight. The group will include NY State Dept of State, NYSERDA, NY DED (observers), and maritime representatives: USCG District 1, PANY/NJ, Sandy Hook Pilots, Towboat and Harbor carriers, and NYSA.
- At the prompting of MAPONY/NJ, a meeting was arranged by the NJ Board of Commissioners of Pilots and Docking Pilots with a representative of the NJ Governor’s office to discuss safety requirements for proposed offshore wind projects. MAPONY/NJ, NJ Board of Commissioners of Pilots and Docking Pilots, and NJ Sandy Hook Pilots Assn met with the Governors office. The Governor’s office assured that our concerns were heard and understood.
MIXED USE WATERWAYS
- The Port of NY/NJ is increasingly facing issues related to mixed use of waterways. All parties are working together to ensure maximum adherence to established safety protocols.
- The HOPs Education Sub-Ctte is actively working to coordinate commercial/recreational interface safety. They are planning to once again offer a Mixed Use Waterways forum this Spring. The Sub-Cttee has also been asked to propose a working budget to the Harbor Ops Steering Cttee so that funding could be made available for printing/distribution, meeting expense, etc.
- The Passenger Vessel Cttee will meet on Jan 20, 2019 to discuss issues relating to mixed use.
SHIPPING 101
- MAPONY/NJ is currently making plans for the Spring 2019 session of our highly regarded SHIPPING 101 course, and will be advising dates/venue shortly