The UNITED STATE Coast Guard Captain of the Port of New York and also New Jersey has actually provided an order to New York- based Bouchard Transportation Company needing that 3 yank and also gas barge devices presently secured in New York Harbor instantly be vacated anchorage and also tied at a risk-free berth.

The vessel’s will certainly be needed to stay at risk-free berth up until going through added safety and security evaluations to identify they are healthy to go back to solution, the Coast Guard claimed.

“As a result of recent safety checks, the Coast Guard has determined the operational condition of these vessels poses a risk to the safety of New York and New Jersey waterways,” the Coast Guard claimed in a declaration. “Specifically, Bouchard has been unable to consistently maintain safe fuel and manning levels aboard these vessels, and does not have adequate contingencies in place for emergency weather or other conditions requiring movement within the port.”

There are presently 3 various other Bouchard yank and also gas barge devices at support in enhancement to numerous various other Bouchard vessels tied at piers in New York and also New Jersey, according to the Coast Guard

The Coast Guard claimed it is presently carefully checking the vessels to guarantee they do not present a risk to the safety and security of the port.

“My number one priority is to ensure not only the safety of the public and our waterways, but the health and well-being of the crews who do the difficult and hazardous work of operating these vessels.” claimedCapt Jason Tama, Captain of the Port ofNew York “This is not an action we wanted to take, however, we have a responsibility to keep our waterways safe, and Bouchard’s inability to maintain safe operational conditions aboard these tugs and fuel barges has forced me to take this step.”

In January, Bouchard vessels in the New York location were needed to send safety and security strategies to the Coast Guard at the demand of a Captain of the Port order after USCG Sector New York aquatic examiners boarded all vessels possessed and also run by the firm secured within the Port of New York and also New Jersey COTP area.

During the evaluations, Bouchard staffs reported “critical operational conditions such as low fuel and lube oil levels, potential stability concerns, and unauthorized vessel to vessel fuel transfers,” which “posed a hazard to the port,” the order claimed.

The order likewise specified that there have actually been several records of Bouchard team participants “not receiving compensation for earned wages which has resulted in notifications of crewmembers threatening to walk off Bouchard vessels.”

A speaker for Bouchard at the time claimed the order was“immediately rectified”

Bouchard sent us the complying with declaration pertaining to the much more current Captain of the Port order:

The past 2 years Bouchard has actually faced examinations the similarity which it has actually not encountered in 100 years of background. Yesterday’s Sector NY/NJ Captain of the Port Order on simply 6 of our fifty one devices is an additional monetary obstacle. Financial battles are test sufficient, however they are even worse when they impact or stress our workers. We are collaborating with monetary and also technological experts to resolve the difficulties at every degree of our organization. Our workers, those that have actually been with us for many years, those brand-new to us in this minute of severe discomfort are important, and also their forbearance, greater than we have a right to request. Today’s COTP Order does not alter our emphasis. Please recognize that we are functioning everyday with customers, lenders, the authorities to place our residence aright. We have an economic strategy and also a clear understanding of and also dedication to all those that deal with, assistance or trust us. Thank you for the chance to resolve your essential and also agonizing inquiry.

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