The Captain of the Port has reopened the Houston Ship Channel after the Carla Maersk was moved to a turning basin.
A temporary seal is in place aboard the Carla Maersk to prevent further leaks after a collision with the supramax bulker Conti Peridot led to a spill of the Carla Maersk’s Methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE) cargo.
The vessel was moved to the Barbours Cut turning basin this morning with the approval of the US Coast Guard (USCG), and the safety zone has been removed.
According to the USCG High density foam was used to suppress flammmable vapours abord the stricken ship and partial removal of the cargo was necessary before the vessel could be moved.
“Extensive air monitoring around the ship showed no sign of vapors seeping from the vessel. Responders continue to conduct air and water tests, which show no public health or environmental concerns,” a USCG release stated.
The Houston Pilots were preparing to work on outbound traffic at 0930hrs, and Barbours Cut terminal is set to open at 1300hrs.
“The Barbours Cut Container Terminal will be opening at 1300hrs today. The Port Authority has been given approval to enter the terminal and is making all arrangements to open successfully. All storage will be extended by three days.
“All other Port Authority Terminals, including the Bayport Container Terminal and the Cruise terminal are continuing to operate under normal business hours,” The Port of Houston Authority stated in a news release.
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