Freeport

<span-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#141414">March 22, 2020 <span-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333">

<span-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333"> 

<span-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333">Good morning Port Bureau Members:

<span-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333"> 

<span-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333">The Port Bureau has always been a conduit of information for the port community. During the next few weeks, we will send out frequent maritime industry updates to ensure that you can stay informed. If you have any questions or requests that would make these updates more valuable for your company, please let us know, and we will see how we can help.

<span-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333"> 

Port of Houston status:<span-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333">

<span-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333">Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Sector Houston-Galveston has established a Marine Transportation System Recovery Unit in order maintain awareness of any changes or issues within the port. We request stakeholders report any operational changes regarding, at a minimum: <span-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333">

<span-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333">At this time, there is not a daily reporting requirement. Please limit your communications to just significant changes in operations. Also please be advised that the waterways remain open to all traffic at this time and waterfront facilities continue to operate. In order to streamline incoming information and ensure uninterrupted service to our facilities, please direct your communications to HoustonFAC@uscg.mil for Sector Houston-Galveston facilities, or to MSUTexasCityFacilities@uscg.mil for MSU Texas City facilities.<span-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333">

<span-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333"> 

Other ports:<span-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333">

<span-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333">In support of Federal, State, and local restrictions being implemented to address the public health emergency and community spread of COVID-19, maritime crew will be remanded to their vessels until further notice.<span-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333">

<span-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333">CBP will work with carriers on a case-by-case basis on temporary shore leave requests for such reasons as but not limited to humanitarian, shore side business critical to the safe operation of the vessel, legal, medical, etc. <span-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333">

<span-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333">At this time, crew sign-offs (D-2) will still be reviewed and granted if the crewmember has direct and continuous travel out of the United States, the crewmember is not exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, the crewmember has valid travel documents, and there is no other restriction on the crewmember’s travel. <span-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333">

<span-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333">Please notify the CBP Operations Desk and the boarding officer before inspection begins of any crew repatriations planned in New Orleans. You will be provided with instructions on any additional requirements in place at that time. <span-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333">

<span-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333">Please note, due to evolving travel restrictions worldwide, this activity is subject to change on short notice. A trade notice will be sent if CBP New Orleans implements any changes.<span-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333">

<span-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333">Local questions should be directed to Chief Kevin Alombro at (504) 670-2250 or via email at kevin.m.alombro@cbp.dhs.gov.

<span-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333"> 

Houston at large:<span-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333">

 <span-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333">

Federal/state/agency updates:<span-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333">

 <span-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333">

Helpful COVID-19 links:<span-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333">

Follow us on:<span-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333">