Port27s navigation and operations updates: NOAA withdraws Gulf vessel-speed proposal; heavy cargo schedule ahead

At the Oct. 30 meeting the port27s navigation and operations staff gave routine updates including a regulatory development and multiple cargo schedule items.

Nate from navigation reported that NOAA/National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) withdrew a proposed rule that would have imposed vessel speed limits in parts of the Gulf of Mexico but reserved the right to reissue the rule later. He said a separate rule expanding rice27s whale critical habitat from Brownsville north and east through the Straits of Florida is still under consideration and remains a concern for operators.

Operations reported recent cargo activity including receipt of about 34,000 tons of aluminum trihydrate (arrived in two barges), a liquid cargo transfer of roughly 14,000 tons, two bulk rice vessel loads and a sodium hydrosulfate liquid shipment. City Docks is scheduled to receive a cement ship of about 35,000 tons in early November, with discharge expected to take 6–7 days.

At Bulk Terminal 1 staff reported loading a coke ship of roughly 30,000 tons and scheduled additional raw coke and rutile shipments totaling tens of thousands of tons. Terrence said port business development is working on a three-year, 50,000‑ton fly ash rail-to-truck project and is in talks with a grain company about 100–150,000 tons per year potential over 10–15 years. Nick provided a capital works update on Saly Street Rail, saying utility conflicts have been resolved and the contractor is expected back on site this week.

Port staff did not request board action on these items; they were informational updates and situational awareness for commissioners.