The Corps Mississippi Valley New Orleans (MVN)solicited a bid for industry hopper dredge contract Southwest Pass Hopper #2-2016 on January 26, 2016. After receiving no bids from the dredging industry the MVN began the established protocol and issued a Yellow Flag to the dredging industry. The Yellow Flag did not offer any remedies and the next step is for a Red Flag that would allow a Corps’ hopper dredge to be utilized. However, the McFARLAND, which is already working in Southwest Pass, is the only available government hopper dredge since both the WHEELER and ESSAYONS are undergoing shipyard repairs.
Navigation Restrictions in the Area of Southwest Pass:
The Associated Branch Pilots of the Port of New Orleans (Bar Pilots) were forced to reduce their maximum draft recommendation to 43 feet from 47 feet. This draft reduction went into effect at 1030 hours on January 14, 2016. However, yesterday the Bar Pilots updated their position with the following message:
“No vessels with a draft of 43’ or greater will enter or leave SWP (not even on high tide). 43 ft ships are having a difficult time and we need More dredges."
Members should be advised that the present draft reductions are critical and could indeed become more stringent. The Bar Pilot draft reduction was required before the River crested at New Orleans (or below) and historically draft restrictions related to flood events usually occur when the stages have started to fall. The National Weather Service’s Extended Streamflow Predictions (28-Day Forecast) indicates the stage levels have begun a slow fall with an expected drop of about 2.5 feet from 15.99 feet at 1400 hours today to 13.8 feet on February 24, 2016.
The Coalition has been working closely with the Corps and dredging contractors to ensure all options were being considered: the extension of the NEWPORT’s contract, arrival of the McFARLAND and contract agreement for the G.D. MORGAN were achieved through the efforts of the Corps and dredging contractors.
The Coalition is only aware of one known possibility that could secure an industry hopper dredge for Southwest Pass and that is being actively pursued. The MVN may also solicit a bid for another cutterhead dredge next week, but even if successful the cutterhead would not arrive for approximately 30 days.
Please review the attachment for complete details.
