HOT PORT NEWS from GAC

GAC has issued critical operational updates for 28 May 2026, impacting vessel schedules in India and Hong Kong. Operations at the Mangalore Single Point Mooring (SPM) are officially suspended due to the onset of the southwest monsoon, necessitating immediate re-routing or anchorage adjustments for tankers. Simultaneously, vessels navigating near the Lamma Power Station in Hong Kong must exercise extreme caution during ongoing coal ship unloader operations. Masters and shipping companies should monitor local port authority notices to ensure safe transit.

These operational disruptions highlight the importance of strict adherence to SOLAS Chapter V, Regulation 34, which mandates that the master ensures the voyage plan is fully assessed for safety and environmental risks. During monsoon-related SPM suspensions, compliance departments must ensure that dynamic positioning and mooring protocols align with Class requirements for heavy weather operations. Furthermore, navigating near critical infrastructure like the Lamma Power Station requires strict compliance with local VTS instructions and COLREGs to prevent navigational hazards and potential environmental liabilities under MARPOL Annex I.

Masters and navigating officers must prioritize safety by reviewing passage plans and local weather bulletins before entering the Mangalore or Hong Kong port limits. Navigating officers should maintain an enhanced bridge watch and ensure all navigational equipment is fully operational for restricted visibility conditions. It is essential to verify that all mooring arrangements are secured for heavy weather and that local port authority directives are followed precisely to avoid operational delays or safety incidents during these high-risk periods.