SOUTHWEST PASS AREA Examples of the Known Effects toExamples of the Known Effects to

Navigation Due to Channel NarrowingNavigation Due to Channel Narrowing

Associated Branch Pilots for the

Port of New Orleans

Associated Branch Pilots for the Port of Associated Branch Pilots for the Port of New OrleansNew Orleans

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A Pilots Perspective: Truth and Consequences

Truth: Mississippi River channel Truth: Mississippi River channel maintenance dredging is reducedmaintenance dredging is reduced

Consequences: Consequences:

1.1. Reduced safe passing distances for Reduced safe passing distances for shipsships

2.2. Reduced channel creates navigation Reduced channel creates navigation hazardshazards

3.3. A reduced channel equals cargo lossesA reduced channel equals cargo losses

Associated Branch Pilots for the Port of Associated Branch Pilots for the Port of New OrleansNew Orleans

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Existing Channel WidthsEntrance to the Mississippi RiverSouthwest Pass Area

Associated Branch Pilots for the Port of Associated Branch Pilots for the Port of New OrleansNew Orleans

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750’

650’

600’

Gulf

SWP Light

SWP Pilot StationJetties

Safe Passing Distance in Existing 650’ Channel

Associated Branch Pilots for the Port of Associated Branch Pilots for the Port of New OrleansNew Orleans

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Photo: Mississippi River Trade and Transport Council

Existing Safe Passing Separation Approximately 300’

300’

Associated Branch Pilots for the Port of Associated Branch Pilots for the Port of New OrleansNew Orleans

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Passing clearanc

e reduced

from 300’ to 195’

Effect of Narrowing From 750’ to a 650’ Channel

600’ Channel Narrowed to 500’

Associated Branch Pilots for the Port of Associated Branch Pilots for the Port of New OrleansNew Orleans

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500’ Channel

Narrowing

100’ Clearance Remaining

Narrowing to 400’ Channel

Associated Branch Pilots for the Port of Associated Branch Pilots for the Port of New OrleansNew Orleans

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400’ Channel

400’ channel

No safe passing distance

remaining

Associated Branch Pilots for the Port of Associated Branch Pilots for the Port of New OrleansNew Orleans

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50’ remaining passing distance

Wind: East @ 15kn

10 Degrees of Vessel Leeway in a Narrowed 500’ Channel

10 Degrees of Leeway in a 400’ Channel

Associated Branch Pilots for the Port of Associated Branch Pilots for the Port of New OrleansNew Orleans

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400’ Channel

Potential Collision

Wind: East @ 15kn

Crash Stop

In high current conditions, it often In high current conditions, it often takes nearly 4 miles to stop a takes nearly 4 miles to stop a loaded down-bound ship in the loaded down-bound ship in the Mississippi River entrance passes.Mississippi River entrance passes.

Many ships will end up stranded Many ships will end up stranded aground after this maneuver.aground after this maneuver.

Associated Branch Pilots for the Port of Associated Branch Pilots for the Port of New OrleansNew Orleans

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Crash Stop

Associated Branch Pilots for the Port of Associated Branch Pilots for the Port of New OrleansNew Orleans

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Loaded Tanker~ 4 Miles to Stop in High River

Crash Stop Starts Here

4 miles to sea

Mississippi RiverSouthwest Pass Exit Channel

Crash Stop Ends Here

THANK YOU

Pilots Consequences Lack of Channel Pilots Consequences Lack of Channel

Maintenance Dredging on the MississippiMaintenance Dredging on the Mississippi

RiverRiver