Houston Ship Channel Fully Reopened
The Houston Ship Channel has been fully reopened today following Monday’s ship collision and subsequent salvage operations. The Houston Ship Channel was reopened Thursday morning after responders completed initial salvage plans on damaged chemical tanker Carla Maersk and moved the vessel to Barbour's Cut turning basin, the Central Texas Coastal Area Committee (CTCAC) reported. The Carla Maersk incurred significant damage following a collision earlier in the week between it and bulk carrier Conti Peridot.
Tanker Salvage Underway in Houston
Responders have begun to execute salvage plans for the damaged tanker Carla Maersk, Wednesday, following a collision that occurred Monday in the Houston Ship Channel, the Central Texas Coastal Area Committee (CTCAC) reported. The plans include utilizing high-density foam to suppress any flammable vapor seeping from the punctured tanks. Once the foam is in place, responders will monitor the air for any flammable vapors. If deemed safe, responders will commence the removal of liquid cargo. Once the liquid cargo has been removed and the structural integrity of the vessel has been deemed safe for movement, the Carla Maersk will be moved from the Houston Ship Channel to a safe berthing area. Air and water tests continue to show no public health or environmental concerns, responders said.
Limited Traffic Authorized at Port of Houston
The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) has authorized limited marine traffic in the safety zone in the Port of Houston/Galveston for commercial ship traffic, Tuesday. Cleanup operations are still ongoing; however ships are being prioritized for transit by the Port Coordination Team. The USCG said barges are allowed to transit through the Houston Ship Channel and on the Intracoastal Waterway, after assessment teams deemed the channel clear. "The cleanup operations progress is to the point…
