Steering Cttee

 

1. RARITAN RIVER BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT

• A presentation was made by NJ Transit to give an overview of the planned Raritan River Bridge replacement project. The NJT team made a powerpoint presentation intended to give a broad overview of the project and solicit comments from HOps members.
• The bridge under consideration is the Rail bridge spanning between Perth Amboy and South Amboy. The current bridge is over 100 years old, but was damaged in Sandy, and the new bridge would be designed to maximize resiliency. The current bridge is a “swing” bridge spanning a 300’ Federal navigation channel, but due to the center island, the bridge actually offers 2 X 125’ channels. There is an 8’ clearance in the down position, and a max 140’ clearance when up. The bridge is opened 4-5Xdayin most seasons, but an average of 14Xday in peak Summer season.
• NJT is now considering what type of replacement bridge most suitable (i.e: lift; swing; or bascule). They are soliciting advice to aid determination.
• Public meetings will be held in late Spring/Summer of 2016, with schedules to be advised. Permit applications will be made in 2017. NJT is about to initiate the required Environmental Assessment.
• HOps recommended a “lift” design because of the benefits of a single, non-obstructed channel, the opportunity to place lift machinery at a higher level, and the potential to offer faster, partial openings depending on air draft requirements.
• NJT would plan to construct the new bridge to the west of the existing bridge, and remove the old bridge when the new bridge is opened.
• HOps will meet with NJT again in order to develop operational procedures during construction/removal work.

 

2. WATERFRONT NAVIGATOR

• NYCEDC gave a presentation of their WATERFRONT NAVIGATOR website product which is designed to guide concerned parties through the complicated process of obtaining the proper requisite permits to do waterfront construction and/or repair.

• WATERFRONT NAVIGATOR is the product of several years work to identify, and categorize the permitting process in New York State and City. The need for this product was identified several years ago while developing the NYC Comprehensive Waterfront Plan, and has required many meetings among waterfront stakeholders, and the several regulatory bodies with jurisdiction over these permit processes.

• A one page summary sheet is appended hereto for your ready guidance.

• This product was very well received by the HOps members.

3. USCG

• FLEET WEEK- will be held the week of May 23, and we are now expecting 18 ships, which will be berthing in Brooklyn, Staten Island, NYC, and Jersey City.

     The “usual” restrictions will be in force, with detail to be published by USCG.

• The USCG training vessel EAGLE will visit NY/NJ on August 5. More detail to follow.
• USCG expects to receive a request for a marine event permit from the folks who are promoting “Citizen’s Bridge”. This is a floating walkway that would be constructed across Buttermilk Channel between Brooklyn and Governors Island. This project had been “pitched” to HOps several years ago, and failed to win support. HOps will be involved should they actually file a permit. The “target date” is currently set for August 2017.
• BOEM has leased land off the South Shore of Long Island which may be under consideration for offshore wind development. We will watch for, and participate in any public meetings, and/or permit applications.
• Noted that there was a potential waterways conflict on the upper Hudson pertaining to protestors attempting to put kayakers in the water to block vessel traffic.
• Noted that USCG has received a petition to eliminate the RNA behind Liberty and Ellis Islands to allow vessel traffic. USCG will have a public notice period to receive comments.
• Noted that the Hudson River Anchorages petition is still under study in District 1
• AMERICA’s CUP is proceeding as planned with practice scheduled for May 6, and racing on May 7and 8. Depending on weather conditions the viewing area may have to be shifted. USCG and local authorities will be on hand to regulate and assist as needed.

 

4. USACE

• CHPE-noted that the CHPE Navigational Risk Assessment is being studied by USCG. Also noted that the same cable construction firm had experienced an anchor strike/drag and scouring in the San Francisco District. NY District will follow-up for more detail. HOps still strongly opposes the CHPE proposal to site the cable within the length of the navigational channel.
• The permit for the Carteret Marina has been issued with the stipulated “special requirements”.
• Discussed the application to place 4 barge mooring buoys in the area, and noted that the application to place 1 buoy near Ellis Island has been withdrawn.
• The NYC Ferry permit applications are OK, but no application was made for the initially considered 62nd St landing.
• There will be a public notice published pertaining to a proposed floating energy plant that would be located at the Brooklyn Navy yard, in Wallabout Bay.
• 50 foot channel-plan for late June work in the anchorage area, and Jersey City.
• USACE has received funding to remove derelict barge in Flushing Bay Creek, and now scheduling/contracting with operator.
• Still no solution in sight for the removal of El Jefe.

5. NOAA

• COOPS will be seeking input regarding the need for current forecasting/modeling in the Harbor. HOps will stand up a sub-committee to work with NOAA as needed.

 

6. PANYNJ

• PORTS will be funded through the year 2020
• The water siphon is scheduled for abandonment on May 12. Currently expected that dredging will commence mid-June, finished about 1 month later.
• PA berths will be dredged to remove approx 250K cu. yd. Work will be done between June and the end of 2016. Updates to come.
• PA will attempt to obtain approx $55 Million under provisions of WRDA 2016 legislation which will be used for dredging

 

7. NJDOT-MARINE RESOURCES

• Giving a grant to study navigational dredged materials
• MAPONY/NJ reported NYS DEC public hearing attended on May 2 which addresses changes to NYS regulations pertaining to solid waste, navigational dredged materials, and beneficial use disposition.

 

8. NYSA

• Advise that Hugh Marley was replacing Joe Bonney at the JOC with Joe relocating to NOLA
• Cautioned of a computer virus circulating.

 

9. T&B Cttee

• Advised that DHS is contacting harbor carriers to determine how to maximize maritime response capability during crisis.

 

10. MAPONY/NJ

• Reported on matters separately reported under MARITIME MATTERS.

 

FULL  Cttee

 

1. USCG

• FLEET WEEK- will be held the week of May 23, and we are now expecting 18 ships, which will be berthing in Brooklyn, Staten Island, NYC, and Jersey City.

The “usual” restrictions will be in force, with detail to be published by USCG. We are pleased to note that this year’s parade of ships will be led by 4 tugs from our local harbor.

• The USCG training vessel EAGLE will visit NY/NJ on August 5. More detail to follow.
• Noted that USCG has received a petition to eliminate the RNA behind Liberty and Ellis Islands to allow vessel traffic. USCG will have a public notice period to receive comments. The petition seeks to allow recreational and other small craft to proceed behind the Islands and avoid going into the commercial channels. USCG will seek public comment.
• Noted that the Hudson River Anchorages petition is still under study in District 1, and it is hoped that the petition will proceed smoothly. Public comment is encouraged to support this petition.
• AMERICA’s CUP proceeded as planned, and it was estimated that there were approx 175,000 spectators. USCG and other enforcement agencies were on hand to control vessel traffic, and there was no report of any adverse impact on commercial navigation.
• It was confirmed that the USCG Foundation Scholarship Golf Outing would be held on 22 May, 2016 at the South Shore Country Club. The event was a big success with over $20,000.00 raised to benefit scholarships for USCG dependents. McAllister Towing was the sponsoring organization for the event.
• Noted that July 6, 2016 would be the last day that CDR Moose would be working with Sector NY before moving to his new assignment at USCG NAVCEN in Alexandria, Va. All parties wished him success in his new position.
• CAPT Day advised that due to annual turnover in Sector NY, a meet-and-greet will be held on 9 Sept, 2016 at Sector NY to allow introductions and familiarization between the maritime community and “new” Sector NY personnel. More detail to follow.

 

1. USACE

• Discussed the application to place 4 barge mooring buoys in the area, and noted that the application to place 1 buoy near Ellis Island has been withdrawn. Public comment period is closed (MAPONY/NJ DID submit comments in favor of allowing the permit)
• The NYC Ferry permit applications are OK, but no application was made for the initially considered 62nd St landing. Public comment period will be announced soon.
• 50 foot channel-plan –removal of the water siphon is scheduled for 2 June, excavation will begin 15 June, and navigational clearance is expected by late July.
• USACE has received funding to remove derelict barges in Flushing Bay Creek, and now scheduling/contracting with operator. Removal is expected within 1-2 weeks.
• Maintenance work continues in Newark Bay, and East River near South Brothers Island.

 

1. PANYNJ

• PORTS will be funded through the year 2020
• PA berths will be dredged to remove approx 250K cu. yd. Work will be done between June and the end of 2016. Updates to come.
• PA will attempt to obtain approx $55 Million under provisions of WRDA 2016 legislation which will be used for dredging

 

1. NJDOT-MARINE RESOURCES

• Discussion of the ULCV simulation/training program. Noted that several pilots have visited US West Coast ports to ride ULCVs and discuss handling requirements with USWC pilots. Phase I of the training/simulation program will begin in June at MITAGS. Phase II will be to share training with ALL pilots.
• NJDOT is initiating a second contaminant reduction program with the intent of finding ways to reduce the cost of dredged material management.

 

1. NYSA

• Advised that Hugh Marley was replacing Joe Bonney at the JOC with Joe relocating to NOLA. (NOTE: EJK met with Hugh on 9 May, 2016 to make introductions and offer MAPONY/NJ coordination/information function)

 

1. NYCEDC

• Reported the release of their WATERFRONT NAVIGATOR joint permit application guide.
• Expanded NYC Ferry hearings will be scheduled. Further info at: www.citywideferries@edc.com

 

1. MAPONY/NJ

• Reported on matters separately reported under MARITIME MATTERS.

 

1. PRESENTATION-USCG-NAVCEN

• Representatives of USCG Navigation Center (NAVCEN) located in Alexandria reported on the function of the Center.
• NAVCEN handles such critical operations as: GPS; Nationwide Automated ID System (NAIS);Nationwide Differential GPS; Local Notice To Mariners; Long Range ID and Tracking (LRIT); US Aids to Navigation Information Management System; and the USCG Electronic Chart Portfolio Management function.
• Noted that CDR Elliot Moose will move from Sector NY to NAVCEN in July, 2016
• Further info available at: www.navcen.uscg.gov

 

1. PRESENTATION-NYS Marine Highway Transportation Co.

• Mr. Rob Goldman made a presentation describing the business plan of NYS MHT Co.
• Currently seeking 2 new moorings in Bay Ridge Flats anchorage area.
• Plan to use 20 inland hopper barges to move aprox 500,000 ts of aggregate over the course of a 5 year contract.
• Needs moorings to break down tows
• Moorings are located within the anchorage area, and may be considered preferable over anchoring due to predictability of location, security, and less bottom impact due to reduced dragging and anchor strikes.

 

1. Passenger Vessel Sub-Cttee

• Noted that due to increased incidence of “rail jumpers” a $5,000.00 fine has been issued to a “repeat offender”. Posters advising of the potential fines will be conspicuously posted.
• Discussion of incident where a heavily loaded canoe from a nearby Boathouse program which contained children was “flipped” by the wake of a tug/barge in Newtown Creek. Harbor Ops had previously advised against such operations.

 

1. Energy Sub-Cttee

• Report that the SFO pilots advised that a cable similar to that proposed for usage in the CHPE project was snagged by an anchor in SFO Bay. It was also found that the cable had been “scoured” and was uncovered. This incident should be considered in the USACE permit process.

 

1. Deep Draft Working Group

• Advised that revised deep draft guidelines will be published after siphon removal, and evaluation of the ULCV simulation project.

 

1. Tug & Barge Cttee

• Noted the Annual Meeting to be held on 11 May, 2016
• Noted that 4 local tugs will lead the Fleet Week parade of ships
• There will be an Informational Day on 2 June in Brooklyn.

 

NEXT MEETING TO BE HELD 15 JUNE, 2016.

 

1. SHIPPING 101

         

Our Spring Semester SHIPPING 101 class was just held last week, with 18 students in attendance. For the first time we used classroom space at Seamen’s Church Institute in Port Newark, and we thank them for their generosity. The terminal tour was hosted by Global Container Terminal who showed off their state-of-the-art facility. We have held a Spring and Fall Semester every year since 2007, as well as several group-specific classes. Over the years we have trained hundreds of Port personnel! Keep an eye out for our Fall offering!

 

1. SHARED HARBOR TOUR

 

On the morning of Saturday, April 16, our Harbor Education Sub-Committee sponsored a SHARED HARBOR TOUR which managed to get a mix of over 130 professional and recreational mariners onto a NY Waterways Ferry for a guided tour of our Harbor around the southern part of Manhattan. At each of 7 designated spots, we heard from both professional and recreational mariners as they discussed key points regarding safe navigation in those locations. LOTS of good conversations which will make the Harbor a safer place for everyone! NYC EDC even provided bagels and coffee! Thanks to all our sponsors, speakers, and participants. I’m sure we’ll do it again!

 

1. IMHOF

 

Our International Maritime Hall of Fame Gala will be held on May 11 this year. Once again, we have a terrific slate of International Honorees, and although tables, ads, and sponsorships are selling quickly, there is still time to make sure that you are there for what is always a gala gathering of so many of the senior leadership of our Industry. Invitations have been sent to all MAPONY/NJ members, but if you need a new copy…get in touch with us. Don’t wait too long!…we usually sell out!

 

1. CHPE

 

MAPONY/NJ has opposed the Champlain Hudson Power Express petition to obtain a USACE permit (NAN-2009-01089-EYA) to lay power cables within a very extensive length of the Hudson River navigation channel for several years. Despite our vehement opposition, this politically favored, and big-budget (over $3 Billion) project has continued to move forward. We have previously reported regarding the many meetings, and correspondence that we have been involved in over the years. This permit now appears to be in the final stages before approval from the USACE. As a near-final step in the permitting process, the CHPE team has filed an extensive Navigation Risk Assessment report. The NRA has been prepared by an internationally known consultant (Intertec), and is quite extensive. On Mar 24, MAPONY/NJ attended a meeting with the CHPE team to review the Draft NRA. At that meeting, we represented MAPONY/NJ and our T&B Cttee and joined AWO, Hudson River Pilots, and Sandy Hook Pilots in commenting on the Draft NRA. Our position was:

• The cable should NOT be allowed to be allowed to be laid within the Navigation Channel for such an intrusive length, but rather, should only be allowed to cross the Channel in a perpendicular design, as is usual and customary.
• The study, although well designed, did NOT use accurate data pertinent to the actual Hudson River sites, but rather applied mathematical computations based on non-Hudson data and reports
• Despite probability statistical computations, the fact that the cable would be in such an extensive length of the Channel definitely posed an increased risk as opposed to limited perpendicular crossing(s)

 

As a near-final step in approving the NRA, CHPE passed their NRA to the USCG for their review. On Apr 13, USCG held a meeting with interested stakeholders to provide an opportunity to hear any concerns. At that meeting we represented MAPONY/NJ and our T&B Cttee, and joined AWO, Hudson River Pilots, and Sandy Hook Pilots to enumerate our concerns. USCG had Reps from District 1, as well as Sector NY Waterways Management. We reiterated our concerns as outlined above and USCG “noted” same for their consideration.

 

We are awaiting the outcome of the USCG conclusion regarding the acceptability of the CHPE NRA.

 

1. AMERICAS CUP RACE

 

On May 7 and 8, the America’s Cup international sailing race will return to New York Harbor for the first time in nearly a century.

Six teams, each representing a different country (including defending champion ORACLE TEAM USA), will race in the Hudson River, reaching speeds up to 40 miles per hour. The teams participating in the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series will vie for points counting toward the final competition for the 35th America’s Cup in Bermuda in 2017.

Racing will take place from 2 -3:30 p.m. on both Saturday, May 7 and Sunday, May 8. The New York winner will be announced Sunday. The race will take place off Battery Park City and the Brookfield Place Waterfront Plaza, where organizers expect up to 20,000 spectators. The plaza will also be home to a central event village. The event is free, and no tickets are required.

 

Our Harbor Safety, Navigation and Operations Cttee (HOPs) worked closely with both the USCG and the event sponsor to minimize any adverse impact on commercial navigation during the Race.

 

1. NJ PUBLIC ACCESS

 

In the State of NJ, the public has a right to access and use the tidal waterfront in accordance with the Public Trust Doctrine. The rules governing this access were formulated by NJDEP, and we had lobbied and helped create the wording of those rules so as to exempt any Facility operating under an approved Federal Facility Security Plan from being forced to provide public access to those facilities. Due to a successful lawsuit brought by a NJ environmental group, those NJDEP rules were invalidated, and it was found that only legislation could deal with this NJ Public Trust Doctrine matter. NJ Senator Robert Smith, acting as Chair of the Senate Environment Committee established a format for interested stakeholders to make recommendations regarding public access legislation and issues. We have been a part of that stakeholder group, and have had several meetings to formulate recommendations to Senator Smith. The recommendations were a composite of all stakeholder positions, and listed “agreed”, as well as “pro” and “con” positions. The recommendations were presented at a hearing held on April 21.

Our primary objectives were:

• Exempt any facility operating under a valid Federal Facility Security Plan from having to provide public access
• Exempt any facility operating under a FSP from having to provide off-site access in lieu of on-site access.
• Grandfather all above from having to provide off-site access in connection with new permits on existing footprint

 

We were successful in having it be recommended that FSP facilities be exempted from having to provide public access, but the concept of not requiring off-site mitigation, or exemption for future permits were “contested” by environmental groups.

Senator Smith is currently reviewing the stakeholder committee recommendations, and will prepare draft legislation for review by the early Fall.

We are joined in this approach by other components of “critical infrastructure” such as power plants, other transport modes, and various utilities. We will continue to follow up with Senator Smith’s staff to ensure that our positions are well understood.

 

1. NEWTOWN CREEK CAG

 

Newtown Creek has been declared a contaminated area subject to Federal Remediation. The lead Federal agency is the EPA which has created a Citizens Advisory Group (CAG) to advise them and provide pertinent requirements and guidelines for local concern. We are a member of the CAG Steering Committee, with the goal of ensuring that commercial maritime concerns such as dredged depth, bulkhead requirements, and shoreside/terminal capacities are considered and protected. At this stage, we have already made preliminary statements regarding commercial maritime operational needs, and are primarily just “monitoring” meetings as the EPA is currently focusing on scientific studies evaluating water and sediment properties, and various health-related issues. The most recent meeting of the CAG was on 19 April. We will continue to monitor and protect maritime interests.

 

1. MARITIME-RELATED EDUCATION

 

MAPONY/NJ continues to support and encourage maritime-related education. In addition to our own SHIPPING 101 program, we have worked with The Harbor School, McKee Technical HS, the Urban Assembly School of Global Commerce, SUNY Maritime College, and the US Merchant Marine Academy. Current issues are:

• Upcoming May 12 meeting of the Advisory Board for the UASGC
• In coordination with the Working Harbor Cttee, we will provide an on-water Harbor Tour for students of UASGC on May 19.
• Graduation Awards for SUNY Maritime and USMMA
• Noted that NYC City Council Woman Debi Rose’s Apr 12 newsletter highlighted an article titled “Connecting Staten Islanders With Waterfront Careers”. Councilwoman Rose is currently serving as the Chair of the NYC Council Waterfront Committee. I will meet with her to get a better grasp of her intentions and determine how MAPONY/NJ can best interact.

 

1. TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE

 

The NYC Department of City planning has established a “Technical Advisory Committee” with the intent to create a forum which will present and evaluate various programs/designs that would have the potential to favorably address urban resiliency by enhancing:

• Reduced Flood Hazards
• Emergency Preparedness
• Promoting Physical and Operational Strategies
• Exploring Financial and Insurance Challenges.

 

MAPONY/NJ attends these meetings, the most recent of which was held April 7 to ensure that the requirements of commercial maritime properties are known, and to avoid the imposition of burdensome, expensive, and/or impractical regulations.

 

1. HEARINGS

 

On May 3, MAPONY/NJ will attend a NYC City Council Committee on Waterfront, hearing regarding the role of the Waterfront Management Advisory Board. MAPONY/NJ is a member of the MAB. The MAB was activated during the Bloomberg administration, but the DiBlasio administration has thus far not shown any active interest in Waterfront matters. Hopefully, this hearing will initiate administration attention. The Waterfront Committee is chaired by Councilwoman Debi Rose of Staten Island, with whom we have a good working relationship.

On May 2, MAPONY/NJ will attend a NYS DEC hearing which will discuss proposed revisions to upland management of navigational dredged material (NDM) through NYSDEC’s Beneficial Use Determination (BUD) process. It is our intent to work towards reducing the burdensome cost of dredging by effecting more reasonable solid waste beneficial use regulations in NYS.

 

1. SHIP STATS-MARCH 2016

 

Our report of ship stats for March 2016 is appended hereto. Although year-on-year comparisons show a decrease of 3 for the month of March, the Jan-Mar results are up by 14. Hopefully our good trend continues!

 

1. 50 FOOT CHANNEL

 

At the time of Super Storm Sandy, a new fresh water siphon (pipeline) was in the process of being constructed. When Sandy struck, the unfinished siphon was flooded with salt water, and the boring machine inside the tunnel was destroyed. A new boring machine had to be constructed, and the work on the siphon had to continue. The tunnel was being constructed from both the Brooklyn and Staten Island sides, with the intent for the pipes to meet midway and be joined. As we are completing the 50 foot Channel project, the “old” siphon is reducing the available draft. Upon completion and testing of the “new” siphon, the old siphon will be removed, and we will realize the “full” 50 foot channel draft. Unfortunately, the 2 halves did not perfectly “fit”, and additional work was required. The current status is as follows:

 

• The removal of the siphon has been delayed (again) due to multiple reasons (including a slight “mis-match” when they were attempting to connect the siphon sections.
• It is now estimated that the siphon will be removed, the area will be surveyed, and will be cleared for navigational purposes by “late Summer”. no exact date yet available.
• While the siphon remains in place the Max draft is set at 44’6” at anytime, plus height of tide
• When the siphon is removed the Max draft “could” be 48’ anytime plus height of tide.
• IMPORTANT: It must be remembered that no matter what the “potential” Max draft may be established at, the REAL Max draft will be limited to what is available at the terminal berth.
• NOTE: There is a maximum draft of 50‘ at most container berths…no tanker berths. Thus, the REAL Max draft will be 49’ to allow vessels to maintain a minimum 1’ Under Keel Clearance (UKC) and stay afloat while alongside the berth
• Additionally, studies are being done to determine whether Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCVs) may require an UKC of MORE than 2’ due to hydraulics in the channel. As guidance, some ports already handling the ULCVs are requiring as much as 4’ UKC to accommodate “squat” effects.

 

This is a recurring topic at the HOPs meetings…I’ll keep all interested parties advised of the evolving status