Freeport

 

To all stakeholders

 

 

Re: COVID – 19 // Houston, Galveston, and Freeport, Texas Updates

 

Following excerpt is from the CBP email below. We cannot stress enough regarding the departing flights off crew.  Presently not many flights are departing IAH – George Bush International Airport flying direct out of IAH non-stop to a foreign airport on the same day the sign off crew departs the vessel.  With CBP always advising each vessel repatriation request is a “case by Case” decision. 

 

Since international nonstop flights out of IAH Houston are limited and difficult to arrange for departing IAH on the day the crew is to depart the vessel, CBP Houston has allowed crew to depart out of Dallas / Fort Worth Airport on the day following departure from the vessel.  CBP has required up to 4 safe guards to stay with crew from the time of departing the vessel to their departing flight from DFW.  Also required is the crew must be driven from Houston hotel to DFW (all ground transport – No flights from Houston to DFW will be allowed).  Costs for transport from the vessel to hotel and then to DFW – about $ 4000.00 and 4 safe guards about - $ 3800.00. 

 

If you have any further questions – Please do not hesitate to contact us.  Thank you. 

 

Quote

CBP is requiring sign off crew must have a direct flight from IAH directly out of the U.S and prefers departure without any overnight stay in the U.S..  Due to COVID-19, very few flights are available for the sign off crew

Unquote

 

 

 

 

CBP // PIN 20-008

 

From: LANDRY, JOHN G <JOHN.G.LANDRY@CBP.DHS.GOV>
Sent: Tuesday, June 23, 2020 1:21 PM
To: HOUSEA Passenger Managers <HOUSEAPassengerManagers@cbp.dhs.gov>
Subject: Temporary Restrictions on Crew Shore Leave Rescinded

 

 

This notice rescinds the temporary restrictions specified in Public Information Notice 20-005 dated March 23, 2020 that were implemented to address the public health emergency and community spread of COVID-19.

 

Crew shore leave processing and inspection will now return to previously established procedures.

 

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.

 

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 Houston/Galveston Area Port implements any major changes.

 

<span-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Local questions regarding issues related to this notice should be directed to the Houston Seaport at 713-454-8002

 

<span-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">John G. Landry

<span-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Watch Commander

<span-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Area Port of Houston/Galveston

<span-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">U.S. Customs and Border Protection

<span-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">832-549-6780 - Mobile

<span-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">713-454-8002 – Office

<span-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">713-454-8015 – Direct

 

 

 

 

 

Governor Abbott Issue a state wide order for everyone to wear a face mask, due to recent rise in COVID-19 illnesses In Texas.

 

 

No significant changes for vessel movements.   

 

Houston, Galveston, Texas City and Freeport - All vessel traffic operating normally, with no delays or stoppages due to COVID-19. 

 

Vessels are precleared via agency with USCG, CBP, and Pilots for COVID-19 prior to arrival designated port anchorages.

 

For crew changes, please contact our Houston Operations department.  CBP Houston allows crew changes in Houston / Galveston / Texas City and Freeport.

 

CBP is requiring sign off crew must have a direct flight from IAH directly out of the U.S and prefers departure without any overnight stay in the U.S..  Due to COVID-19, very few flights are available for the sign off crew

 

Texas is slowly opening up.  Phase 1 - Restaurants have opened dining rooms, with social distancing.  Governor Abbott has approved further businesses to open / Businesses in offices, Child care, Bars, Sports, Gyms, Personal care services, bowling alleys, and Zoos – Phase 2.  Face masks are still encouraged while out in public. 

 

Texas Health and Human Services

https://www.dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/

 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html

 

Office of Texas Governor

https://gov.texas.gov/coronavirus

 

Houston, TX Health Department

https://www.houstontx.gov/coronavirus-info.html

 

Sincerely,

 

Bob Lain

Moran Shipping Agencies, Inc.

As Agents Only

16651 Ronan

Houston, TX 77060
Main: 281-582-9200  DO Tel: 281-582-1231  Fax: 281-582-9222  Mbl: 281-924-2146
hou@moranshipping.com   blain@moranshipping.com   www.moranshipping.com

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