Please find below Mississippi River daily report for May 14, 2025

A Daily Publication of the New Orleans Board of Trade

07:15 hrs. - 05/14/2025

New information (Except for the Air Draft, River Stages, and Vessel Information) is highlighted in Green

General Information:
The Controlling Draft for Deep Draft Vessels is 50 Feet.
There are four dredges working in Southwest Pass.
Due to the sunken barge at Mile 110, Southbound Vessels drafting 39 feet or greater will be limited to daylight transits from Mile 109.5 – Mile 110.5.

Current High-Water Restrictions (Coast Guard):

Ocean going vessels must use tug escorts with adequate horsepower alongside while transiting above the I-10 Bridge to the dock, as well as departing the dock and transiting southbound past the I-10 Bridge.
Only one ocean going vessel at a time will be allowed to be underway between the I-10 Bridge and the US-190 Bridge.
Ocean going vessels shall not anchor in the upper half mile of the Baton Rouge General Anchorage. The Pilot must notify VTS if it is necessary to anchor any vessel in the remainder of the anchorage.

Bar Pilots High Water Restrictions in Place:
Due to severe flocculation Pilots on station are recommending a transit time of 5 hours before to 2 hours after high tide for inbound ships with 38' or greater.

Crescent Pilots High Water Restrictions to remain in place until Carrollton Gauge reaches 14 feet and falling.

No vessel is to anchor in General Anchorage except in an emergency
No head down berthing (Special Service may be available in certain cases)
No stern first in Chalmette Slip (Special Service may be available in certain cases)
Vessels with draft of 30 feet or greater are prohibited from anchoring at 9 and12 Mile Anchorages.
The minimum distance between vessels at 9 and 12 Mile Anchorage shall be 1000 feet.
Midstream mooring restrictions enacted by line handling services concerning the safety of the mooring crew shall be observed by Crescent Pilots
Vessels at mid-stream moorings are required to maintain a pilot until it is determined, by the pilot onboard, that the vessel is secure and no longer requires pilot assistance.
Chalmette Slip - Vessels berthed at Sections “D” and “E” should be moved if another vessel must berth or sail form Sections “C” or “F”.

NOBRA Pilots: High Water Restrictions to remain in place until Carrolton Gauge reaches 12 feet and falling.

Mooring/unmooring operations at all mid-stream transfer facilities and any berth that requires the use of a mooring boat along the NOBRA Pilot’s Route shall be restricted to daylight hours.

Pilot Recommendations:
Bar Pilots: Recommended maximum loading draft: 50 Feet.

Crescent Pilots: Recommended maximum loading draft: 50 Feet.

NOBRA Pilots: Recommended loading draft is as follows: 50 feet from New Orleans to Mile 175 ; 47 Feet from Mile 175 - Mile 180; 45 feet from Mile 180 to Mile 234. Vessels with a draft of 41 feet or greater are required to transit the Baton Rouge Harbor (Mile 180 - Mile 234) during daylight hours only.

NOBRA Pilots - High Interest Vessels
Vessels classified as HIGH Interest by the Coast Guard, A Federal Authority, Any State Authority, or the NOBRA Board of Directors, may require 2 pilots and be limited to daylight transit only along the NOBRA Route. Any customer of the NOBRA Pilots, docks, berths, moorings, agents, owner, or owner representative may petition the NOBRA Board of Directors to establish or remove the HIV classification. PER THE NOBRA PILOTS, A VESSEL ONLY REQUIRING A CREW CONTROL SECURITY PLAN (CCSP) BY THE COAST GUARD WILL NOT BE SUBJECT TO THE 2 PILOT RULE.

Federal Pilots: Recommended maximum loading draft:50 feet from the Sea Buoy to Mile 175; 45 feet from Mile 175 – Mile 232.4; and 40 feet from Mile 232.4 – Mile 233.8.

Coast Guard Notices:
VTS Safety Measure – Neptune Pass Stone Work – MM 23-24, AHP
Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) Lower Mississippi River, in accordance with the Navigation Safety
Regulations, Code of Federal Regulations Title 33, Subpart 161.11, will establish a series of VTS measures for all waters of the Lower Mississippi River from Mile Marker (MM) 23.0 to MM 24.0, Above Head of Passes (AHP). These measures are needed to protect persons and vessels from the potential safety hazards associated with the work to construct the Neptune Pass Inlet Structure, and are in effect with the following
provisions:

Starting on May 5th, 2025, at 6:00 a.m. and continuing through October 5th, 2025:
• All vessels shall transit at their slowest safe speed between MM 23 and MM 24.
• All vessels shall avoid overtaking or meeting within 1,000 feet of the work barges.
• Ostrica Anchorage will be CLOSED for the duration of this work.
• These restrictions are in place 24/7.

Work will take place during daylight hours. During working hours, the anchor spread will be extended at a maximum of 600 feet from the Left Descending Bank of the Mississippi River.

High Water Safety Advisory: VTS Safety Measure at LMR MM 170 TO MM 237 AHP LMR (38’ and Falling)
This Marine Safety Information Bulletin supersedes Volume XXV, Issue 042: VTS Safety Measure and Advisories between LMR MM 232 to MM 237 AHP LMR (40’ and Falling) and Volume XXV, Issue 043: VTS Safety Measure and Advisories between LMR MM 170 to MM 235 AHP LMR (40’ and Falling).

1. As a result of the Baton Rouge gauge expected to reach 38’ and continue to fall, the COTP New Orleans has issued a Safety Advisory and VTS Safety Measure effective Tuesday May 13th at 7:00 a.m. for all waters of the Lower Mississippi River (LMR) from Mile 170 to Mile 237 Above Head of Passes (AHP) in accordance with the Waterways Action Plan Baton Rouge Annex. This VTS Measure is needed to protect persons and vessels from the potential safety hazards associated with the effects of high water levels on the LMR. VTS LMR has the authority to grant exceptions to the requirements in this bulletin based on the conditions and the size of the tow. Exception requests should be made to the VTS LMR Watch Supervisor by telephone at (504) 365-2514.

2. Line Tows Transiting Wilkinson Point LMR MM 232-237:

A. The VTS LMR Wilkinson Point Vessel Movement Reporting System and Towing Assist Vessel will be suspended Tuesday, May 13, 2025 following the clearing of the existing downbound queue. VTS LMR will no longer manage a queue for this zone after this final downbound tow is cleared.
B. The following requirements remain in effect:

a. Max tow size is limited to 30 barges with 280 HP per standard barge and 650 HP per oversize barge for southbound transits within this area. Barges with dimensions 290’ x 50’ or larger are considered oversized. Empty barges may be calculated at ½ the horsepower requirements to that of a loaded barge when computing the overall horsepower requirement. Vessels unable to meet the HP requirements must make adjustments to meet the requirements prior to transiting Wilkinson Point. Towing vessels with Z-drive propulsion types may be treated as having a horsepower 20% greater than the engine’s rating for the purpose of this calculation. The VTS LMR Watch Supervisor may on a case-by-case basis approve exceptions up to 400 HP based on conditions and size of tow. The VTS LMR Watch Supervisor may also make horsepower exceptions to allow pushing up to 2 standard barges more than calculated for tows that are fully squared off.
b. All southbound traffic will transit Wilkinson point during daylight hours only.
c. 8000 HP towing vessel may push 30 standard barge tow makeups. (400 HP less than requirement) or 6600 HP Z –drive.
d. All southbound tows entering Devil’s Swamp with more than one barge attached are recommended to hire a private assist vessel (PAV) to accompany them into the swamp.
e. Harbor Fleet Tows of 4 barges or less (whether loaded or unloaded) are exempt from daylight only and flanking restrictions.

C. No more than two southbound towing vessels will be allowed below Thomas Point at any time regardless of tow size.

3. Port Allen Lock LMR MM 219-229:

A. All tows greater than 600’ (excluding the towboat) are required to employ an assist vessel of at least 1200 horsepower (HP) when entering or exiting the Port Allen Lock.
B. All tows exiting Port Allen Lock into the LMR intending to turn northbound shall use an assist vessel of at least 1200 HP or proceed southbound below MM 221 if topping around unassisted before heading north.
C. If a vessel is unable to meet HP requirements, an assist vessel of at least 1200 HP is mandatory for entering and exiting.
D. Tows are required to have 280 HP per standard loaded barge on canal tows entering/exiting the Locks. Empty barges may be calculated at ½ the horsepower requirements to that of a loaded barge when computing the overall horsepower requirement. Towing vessels with Z-drive propulsion type may be treated as having a horsepower 20% greater than its engine’s rating for the purpose of this calculation. VTS LMR has authority to grant exceptions to these requirements up to 400 HP based on conditions and the size of the tow.

4. Tows Topping Around Between LMR MM 221 to 235 (Duncan Point to Hwy 190 Bridge):

A. Tows greater than 600 feet in length are advised to use a minimum 1200 HP assist vessel when topping around.
B. Tows between 300 feet and 600 feet in length are advised to use a 1000 HP assist vessel when topping around.
C. Tows less than 300 feet in length are advised to use an 800 HP assist vessel when topping around.

5. Deep Draft Vessels, LMR MM 225 to 234:

A. Ocean going vessels must use tug escorts with adequate horsepower alongside while transiting above the I-10 Bridge to the dock, as well as departing the dock and transiting southbound past the I-10 Bridge.
B. Ocean going vessels will no longer be required to check in with VTS LMR while transiting this zone.
C. Only one ocean going vessel at a time will be allowed to be underway between the I-10 Bridge and the US-190 Bridge.
D. Ocean going vessels shall not anchor in the upper half mile of the Baton Rouge General Anchorage. The Pilot must notify VTS LMR Watch Supervisor if it is necessary to anchor any vessel in the remainder of the anchorage.

6. Dangerous Eddies: 81-Mile Point, Bringier Point, and Plaquemine Point, MM 170-208:

A. All vessels should stay 300 to 400 feet off the left descending bank within ½ mile of 81-Mile Point (MM 178 – 179) to avoid dangerous eddies.
B. Mariners are advised to proceed with caution in the vicinity of Bringier Point (MM 172-173) and Plaquemine Point (MM 206-208) where dangerous eddies have been previously reported.
C. Although the above locations have had eddies specifically reported, mariners are advised to be continuously on the lookout for irregular currents which may pose a threat to navigation throughout the LMR.

CARROLLTON GAUGE AT 15 FEET AND FALLING
When the Carrollton Gauge reads 15 feet and falling, the following operating requirements are no longer in effect:

Towing vessels should not transit between two anchored ships.
Towing vessels less than 79 feet in length should maintain a one-foot minimum freeboard at the lowest point. Towing vessels should only operate with less than one foot of freeboard if the vessel’s Safety Management System (SMS) specifically addresses the hazardous conditions associated with high river currents and low freeboard.
Towing vessels should maintain a minimum barge-to-horsepower (HP) ratio of 300 HP per standard barge and 700 HP per oversize barge for downbound transits. Empty barges may be calculated at ½ the horsepower requirements to that of a loaded barge when computing the overall horsepower requirement. Towing vessels with Z-drive propulsion types may be treated as having a horsepower 20% greater than the engine’s rating for the purpose of this calculation. VTS LMR may, on a case-by-case basis, approve exceptions up to 400 HP based on conditions and size of tow. VTS LMR may make horsepower exceptions to allow pushing up to 2 standard barges more than calculated for tows that are fully squared off.
As per 33 CFR 165.803 (b)(3) upbound vessels must be able to make an average of 3 MPH (2.6 knots).
Vessels should maintain a minimum safe distance upriver of stationary objects (such as anchor blocks, midstream berths, etc.) of twice the tow length. If the minimum distance allowed is impracticable, then a second assist vessel should be utilized.
Lite boat vessels engaged in a down streaming maneuver that is greater than 150 feet from a bank shall operate under the following provisions:
- Limited to daylight as much as possible.
- Rescue vessel should be available during these operations.
- Vessel should be 65 feet or greater in length overall (LOA) and at least 1,200 HP.
As per 33 CFR 165.810 (d) (2), vessels are prohibited from entering South Pass (from the Gulf) if the vessel has a speed of less than 10 miles per hour (MPH) (8.7 knots).
A VTS measure may be established prohibiting cargo operations in the anchorages without COTP permission between SWP and mile marker 167.5 AHP (bunkers and ship stores are exempt).
Vessels should be separated by 1,000 feet in anchorages throughout the LMR when practicable.

The following regulations remain in effect:

For barge fleets located between MM 88 and MM 240 AHP, additional high-water requirements are found in 33 CFR 165.803(m).
For all other barge fleets (below MM 88), a Safety Zone in accordance with 33 CFR 165.20 or other Traffic Control Measures may be established to enhance the safety of barge fleets. The 33 CFR 165.803 regulations requiring stricter barge fleeting standards on the LMR may be extended to include all barge fleets in these areas.
Downbound vessels planning to transit Algiers Point are prohibited from towing on the hawser without prior permission from Vessel Traffic Service LMR.
In addition to the requirements contained in 33 CFR 161.13, the following measures apply to vessels transiting through or within the Algiers Point VTS Special Area:
No vessel shall enter or get underway without prior approval of the VTS and must abide by any direction or measures issued by the VTS.
A vessel awaiting a VTS direction to proceed must keep clear of other vessels transiting.
Vessels shall not enter the Special Area if a hazardous vessel operating condition or circumstance exists, as defined in 33 CFR161.2, without prior approval from the COTP.
Vessels shall not meet, cross, or overtake any other vessel in the Special Area without prior approval from the VTS. If the VTS approves the maneuver, before executing the maneuver, vessels shall communicate on the designated bridge-to-bridge radiotelephone frequency intended navigation movements and any other information necessary to make safe passing arrangements.
As required by 33 CFR 165.810(b)(3), tows are prohibited from transiting VTS special areas by a vessel with insufficient power to permit ready maneuverability and safe handling (unable to maintain an average speed of at least 3 MPH (2.6 knots).
For all vessels operating in the Lower Mississippi River (LMR) below Mile Marker (MM) 233.9 Above Head of Passes (AHP), including South Pass and Southwest Pass, additional high-water requirements are found in Title 33 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 165.810.
All Deep Draft vessels to include Ocean-going Towing vessels should have three means to hold position unless moored to shore or a mooring buoy.
Downbound Ocean-going Towing vessels towing on the hawser should consult with the appropriate pilot association to determine the need for assist tugs.
Towing vessels should review MSIB Vol XIX, Issue 007, “Towing Vessel Safety Advisory During High Water,” issued 15 January 2019 for additional provisions.

Lower Mississippi River Bridges Air-Draft Calculations:
The above clearances were calculated this morning using gauge readings provided by the Army Corps of Engineers. As a guide the pilots require at least an additional 3 feet of clearance for the Vessel's Air Draft. The individual pilot assigned to the vessel will make the final determination of the vessel's allowable clearance. Actual clearance should be verified when ordering pilot services.

NOAA PORTS INFORMATION:
To Access the NOAA Ports System for the Lower Mississippi River, go to the following link: http://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/ports/index.shtml?port=lm

National Information:
Marsec Level – 1

VESSELS SCHEDULED TO ARRIVE IN THE NEXT 24 HOURS: