Galtex Pilots Order New Jet Boat
Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding has begun construction of its first water-jet-propelled pilot boat for the Galtex pilots in Galveston, Texas. Delivery is planned for March 2005. The shipyard is applying the experience of building more than 20 ferries with water jets to the new pilot boat. In selecting water jets over a traditional propeller-driven launch the Galtex pilots will avoid costly repairs to propellers and shafts from debris in Galveston harbor, particularly at high speeds…
News: Vessels
On March 30, 2004, the parbuckling of MV Rocknes in Agotnes, Norway, was completed by SMIT Salvage. After two months of preparations, a two-day-long unique operation ensued as the vessel was pulled upright from its upside-down position. The salvors used the Dive Support/Salvage Vessel SMIT Orca, two immersion and salvage pontoons mounted on a semi-submersible flattop barge which together supported the pulling winches, and a supporting barge. On March 28, after pulling the vessel into this 130-degree gradient, salvors pumped water out and air into the vessel in order for it to reach its original draft depth. A team then proceeded with the conservation of onboard instruments and machinery, while the salvors sprayed parts of the vessel with anti-corrosion material. The Rocknes is a 544.6 ft.
Waterways Re-Open
The U.S. Coast Guard issued a Marine Safety Information Bulletin stating that all ports, channels, and tributary waterways in the COTP Houston/Galveston AOR are open to project depth. Particular caution is advised, though, in the Galveston Bay Entrance Channel, the Galveston Harbor Channel, and Barbour’s Cut due to possible shoaling. The U.S. Coast Guard issued a Marine Safety Bulletin stating that all waterways in the MSU Morgan City AOR are open to project depth, with the exception of the Houma Navigation Canal north of the Houma Navigation Bridge. Minimum wake restrictions are in effect from GIWW MM 20 to MM 65 and in the vicinity of MM 160. Continued caution is advised as the waterways and shorelines remain in a delicate condition. (9/29/05).
