Port Alert
Philadelphia / Delaware River & Bay
August 19, 2025
Notices
Good day,
Vessel – MV Sapphire / 751-foot merchant vessel W-Sapphire in Baltimore
It is our understanding that the U.S. Coast Guard will soon be reopening the Fort McHenry Federal Channel, allowing vessel traffic into and out of the Port of Baltimore.
Based on preliminary information, the maximum allowable draft upon reopening is expected to be 46'6". However, vessels exceeding this draft may be permitted to transit subject to tidal restrictions.
We are aware that some vessels are already preparing to move in anticipation of the reopening but will not be in the affected area until the channel is officially open.
That said, we want to emphasize that we are still awaiting formal notification from the U.S. Coast Guard, as no Marine Safety Information Bulletin (MSIB) has been issued at this time.
