Coast Guard Locks Down Ship Channel for Giant Rubber Tire Crane Swap
Published Date: 12/10/2025
Rule
Summary
From December 6 to 23, 2025, the Coast Guard is setting up safety zones around the M/V SAMPOGRACHT in the Houston Ship Channel to keep people and boats safe during the transfer of big rubber tire cranes. Boats can’t enter these zones unless they get special permission. This temporary rule helps protect everyone and the environment without causing extra costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Temporary 100-yard / 25-yard Safety Zones
From 5 a.m. on December 6, 2025 through 4 p.m. on December 23, 2025, vessels and people are prohibited from entering all waters within a 100-yard radius of the M/V SAMPOGRACHT while it transits the Houston Ship Channel and within a 25-yard radius while it is moored at Bayport Terminal in Seabrook, Texas, unless authorized by the Captain of the Port or a designated representative. The moving zone’s approximate start position is 29°19'01.21" N, 94°38'38.1" W and the moored position is 29°36'18.61" N, 95°0'25.12" W.
Permission Required To Enter Zones
No vessel or person may enter the safety zones unless authorized by the Captain of the Port Houston-Galveston (COTP) or a designated representative; to seek permission contact the COTP or representative on VHF-FM channel 16 or by telephone at (866) 539-8114.
Enforcement Timing and Early Termination
Enforcement runs from 5 a.m. on December 6, 2025 through 4 p.m. on December 23, 2025, but the Captain of the Port may terminate enforcement earlier depending on the progress of the crane offloading operation; the rule is effective without actual notice from December 10, 2025 through December 23, 2025 and, for enforcement purposes, actual notice is used from December 6–10, 2025.
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