Coast Guard reports progress on reopening waterways after Ike

The U.S. Coast Guard has given the following update on ports and waterways affected by Hurricane Ike:



Portions of the Houston Ship Channel has been reopened to commercial traffic, with restrictions. The Houston Ship Channel is open at all times to maritime traffic with a draft of 16 feet or less, but will remain open for daylight transit only from Seas Buoy to Sims Bayou at project depth and Sims Bayou to the Turning Basin for ships with a draft of 30 feet or less.



   The Port of Galveston is open to maritime traffic with a draft of 16 feet or less, but will remain open during daylight transit only for ships with a draft of 30 feet or less.



   The Port of Freeport is open with a draft of 16 feet or less at all times and ships with drafts of 38 feet or less during daylight.



   Sabine-Neches Waterway is open with a draft of 30 feet or less, but will remain open during daylight transit only for ships with a draft of 36 feet or less.



   The Port of Texas City has a draft of 16 feet or less, but will remain open to daylight transit at project depth.



   The Port of Lake Charles/Calcasieu Channel is open with a draft of 16 feet or less, but will remain open during daylight transit only for ships with a draft of 39 feet or less.



   Mariners are advised that aids to navigation may be off station and should exercise the slowest speed and use caution when transiting the area. All facilities are recommended to complete their facility self-assessment checklist before requesting a Coast Guard facility inspection.



   Local, state and federal agencies are continuing to survey all navigable waterways impacted by Hurricane Ike.

Source: American Shipper