The following information has been issued for the upper Texas Coast and Gulf of Mexico, indicating a significant risk to the cooling water systems of Vessels operating in and about Southeast Texas as well as Southwest Louisiana and elsewhere in the Gulf of Mexico.

The Menhaden fish can clog sea chest strainers and restrict the flow of sea water cooling, not only while transiting, but also while the vessel is alongside a berth.

2017 Menhaden season in the Sabine-Neches ship channel

The purpose of the attached questionnaire is to assist the Lone Star Harbor Safety Committee (LSHSC) & Southeast Texas Waterways Advisory Committee (SETWAC) continue to develop Best Practices, for preparing vessels for port calls in the western US Gulf during Menhaden season, (Menhaden can be present all year round with the heaviest periods in April through October time frame), in order to reduce or avoid overheating issues.

2017 Menhaden questionare_SETWAC LSHSC.pdf

The information above has been provided by Benckenstein & Oxford, L.L.P

Member Alert is published by The Swedish Club as a service to members. While the information is believed correct, the Club cannot assume responsibility for completeness or accuracy.