Deep draft in fresh water of max 44 feet
The Bar Pilots for the Port of New Orleans recommend that vessels should have a deep draft in fresh water of a maximum of 44 feet when transiting the area of the Southwest Pass of the Mississippi River from the Southwest Pass Sea Buoy (Entrance Lighted Whistle Buoy “SW”) to Mile 1.5 Above Head of Passes in the Mississippi River. This is due to a USD 22m drop in dredging funding and is likely to last throughout the year.
These recommendations replace the recommendations effective from 12 September 2001, and became effective Tuesday 25 January 2011. The recommendations may be increased or decreased at any time as conditions warrant. Nothing in the recommendations of the Bar Pilots should be construed as limiting a pilot in the exercise of his judgement.
This information is relayed based on GAC Hot Port News and South East Shipping News, but should not be relied upon without independent verification of the latest restrictions with your local agent.
Source: GAC Hot Port News