Jul.16--THE US Army Corps of Engineers has completed much of the necessary dredging on the west side of the channel in Alabama's Upper Mobile River, reports GAC Hot Port News.
Noteworthy, is Maersk's port operator APM Terminals' (APMT) decision to shutdown in Jacksonville, Florida, shortly after it shut down in Houston, Texas, while at the same time beefing up its operation in Mobile, Alabama mid-way between the two.
The army corps is still working on the Turning Basin in Mobile and the east side of the river from the Turning Basin to the Grain Elevator.
The draft restriction is lifted and vessels that are berthing on the west side of the Upper River will be allowed to load to 40 feet (12 metres).
For vessels that need to berth on the east side of the river from the Grain Elevator to the Three Mile Creek turning basin, the draft restriction remains at 38 feet (11.5 metres).
Bridge teams are asked to check with bar pilots as to any further restrictions prior to sailing a ship into berths in this area.
(Source:shippingazette)