The Lower Mississippi River (LMR) Dredging Update 3916 is attached for your reference.
Updated Navigation Restrictions in the Area of Southwest Pass (SWP):
The Associated Branch Pilots of the Port of New Orleans (Bar Pilots) have adjusted their maximum draft recommendation to 43 feet for all vessels transiting SWP. This recommendation became effective at 1030 hours today (Wednesday, March 9, 2016) the official letter is attached.
The Associated Federal Pilots and Docking Masters of Louisiana, LCC are in the process of adjusting their maximum draft recommendation to 43 feet for all vessels (specifically from the Southwest Pass Sea Buoy to the Old Quarantine Anchorage at Mile 3.5 Above Head of Passes [AHP]). The Federal Pilots had previously reduced their maximum draft recommendation to 42 feet, the updated official notice should be made available tomorrow.
There are now 3 hopper dredges and 2 cuttherhead dredges working in Southwest Pass and 2 dustpan dredges working on the Crossings Above New Orleans.
The Corps Mississippi Valley New Orleans (MVN) is focusing their channel recovery (maintenance) efforts at the Head of Passes and Cubits Gap with the 3 hoppers concentrating in these areas now and one cutterhead also expected to be moved to the Head of Passes soon.
Please see the attachments for complete details, including one provided by the MVN that highlights the dredges and their locations on the channel in the area of Southwest Pass.
