Super Ultra Large Container Vessel Operations in The Port of NY/NJ
Super Ultra Large Container Vessel Operations in The Port of NY/NJ
Super Ultra Large Container Vessel Operations in The Port of NY/NJ
Super Ultra Large Container Vessel (SULCV)– any container vessel with a
beam of 159 ft or greater
Prior to starting SULCV inbound from Ambrose the berth must be confirmed
“clear”, and an anchorage spot should be confirmed available for bailout purposes.
Two Pilots required (excluding shifting berths). One Sandy Hook Pilot and one
Docking Pilot.
SULCVs will not transit beyond the “Narrows” unless visibility in KVK is greater
than 1.5 NM
SULCVs will not transit beyond the “Narrows”, if regardless of direction maximum
sustained winds exceed 20 knots or maximum gusts are 25 knots or higher.
Mariner’s Harbor wind gauge to be used as reference station for KVK, Robbins Reef
wind gauge to be used a reference station for Port Jersey Channel.
Transit Windows
Transiting Port Jersey Channel to/ from Global Terminal restricted to vessel arrival
at Narrows and Sailing from berth with draft 47’‐00” or more to be set up for one to
two hours after Battery HW. Vessel arrival at Narrows and Sailing from berth with
draft less than 47’‐00” to be set up for one to two hours after Battery LW A
minimum three foot Under Keel Clearance (UKC) shall be required for transit from
the Narrows to “Off” the berth. Maximum draft 49’00”.
Number of Tugs
TWO (2) tugs to be available at the “Narrows” with a docking pilot aboard one of the tugs. This
will provide for immediate tug assistance should a vessel be required to turn around, and either
anchor or return to sea in the event the ship cannot continue into the KVK or Port Jersey.
(Visibility restrictions or other impediment) The docking pilot and the Sandy Hook Pilot will
communicate as necessary.
For SULCVs with a working bow thruster bound into the Kill Van Kull (KVK), TWO
(2) additional tugs will be assigned from KVK LB 9 to the Berth. For vessels bound for Port
Jersey TWO (2) additional tugs will be assigned from Robbins Reef.
For SULCVs without a working bow thruster bound into the Kill Van Kull, five (5)
tugs will be assigned from KVK LB9 to the Berth. For vessels bound for Port Jersey a fifth tug
boat MAY be assigned at Robbins Reef (docking pilot to assess need based upon handling
characteristics of vessel and tidal conditions)
Note: With regards to the 3 items above, in the event that vessel handling characteristics
dictate the use of special purpose escort tractor tugs tethered and operated in the “direct”,
"arrest" or “indirect” mode, special purpose escort tractor tugs will be substituted as
requested by the docking pilot.
No Meet / No Overtake
No vessels greater than 500 feet (including ATB’s, and tugs with tows) may meet or
overtake an SULCV while the SULCV is transiting the Kill Van Kull (KVK) and Port
Elizabeth Channel, unless agreed to by the docking pilot.
Bunkering
No bunker barges allowed alongside a vessel berthed along the Kill Van Kull (KVK)
or Port Elizabeth Channel while a SULCV passes.
Additional Restrictions
All vessels required to go BOW in and back out.
Port Jersey Channel – There cannot be a cruise ship at Bayonne Cruise Terminal
and a vessel at NEAT at the same time. One or the other acceptable.
SULVC capable berths: All berths on the face of Port Elizabeth, PNCT B61, Maher
B66, B68, B72, and Global Terminal.
Surge Potential
With larger vessels transiting the Kill Van Kull, pushing more water there will be
potential for an increase in surge for vessels tied up and moving cargo in the area.
In recent months there have been two separate surge issues, one most recently
causing all lines to part as well as the transfer hose(s), resulting in a spill of approx
800 gallons of gasoline into the Marine Environment.
Terminal Obligations