Dredging Operations Prolonged on Delaware River

The safety zone around dredging operations in Marcus Hook Range in the Delaware River remains in effect until on or about February 28, 2014.

The Dredge ESSEX has transitioned to the downriver portion of Marcus Hook Range, south of the Sunoco Marcus Hook Refinery, to complete dredging operations. The safety zone includes all waters within a 150 yards radius of the Dredge ESSEX and all related dredging equipment. Vessels requesting to transit Marcus Hook Range shall contact the Dredge ESSEX on VHF channel 13 or 16, 30 minutes prior to arrival. Vessels shall then transit around the dredge project, utilizing the downriver portion of the Marcus Hook Anchorage below Sunoco Marcus Hook Refinery, while operating at the minimum safe speed necessary to maintain steerage and reduce wake.

At this time, the upriver portion of the anchorage is re-opened for anchorage purposes and the downriver portion will be closed with the exception of transiting traffic. Vessels desiring to anchor within the upriver portion of Marcus Hook Anchorage must obtain permission from the Captain of the Port at least 24 hours in advance, at (215) 271-4807. The COTP will permit one vessel at a time in Marcus Hook Anchorage on a "first-come, first-served" basis. Vessels will not be permitted to occupy the anchorage beyond 24 hours. Vessels are encouraged to use Mantua Creek Anchorage (Anchorage #9) and Deepwater Point Anchorage (Anchorage #6) as alternatives.

The operator of any vessel in the safety zone shall proceed as directed by the designated representative of the Captain of the Port and shall contact the Dredge ESSEX on VHF channel 13 or 16, for passing information.

The safety zone will be lifted by an MSIB once dredging operations are concluded.

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