Anchorages; Port of New York

The Hudson River Pilots Association opposes the proposed anchorage bans on the Hudson River, arguing that anchorages are essential for maritime safety. They request that masters and pilots retain the authority to anchor without prior permission in emergencies and argue that the regulation should apply to all vessels regardless of size.

The Maritime Association of the Port of New York and New Jersey opposes the proposed rule prohibiting vessels from anchoring on the Hudson River, arguing that commercial anchorages are essential infrastructure for safety, environmental protection, and supply chain resiliency. They highlight that recreational anchorages are not suitable substitutes for commercial needs and request that the Coast Guard reconcile its previous findings regarding inadequate anchorage capacity with the current proposal.

Greg Hanchrow of North River Shipyard - Sound Marine Tug and Barge LLC opposes the proposed rule because it limits the operational readiness of the commercial fleet and restricts the development of future anchorage areas. He argues that the proposal creates unnecessary risks for navigation, burdens existing anchorages, and removes the ability for companies to establish necessary new anchorage grounds.

Steven Kalil of Dry Dock & Repair Co., Inc. opposes the proposed rulemaking, arguing that it creates navigation hazards, threatens the environment, and negatively impacts the economy and supply chains. The commenter specifically highlights risks to commercial operators due to undefined anchorage grounds and the potential disruption of the Hudson River Green Highway.

An Operations Manager for a tug and barge company opposes the proposed rule, arguing that removing or restricting designated anchorage areas reduces operational flexibility and safety for commercial mariners. The commenter emphasizes the importance of towing for regional cargo and requests that the Coast Guard consider the impact on the Maritime Transportation System.

Trevcon Construction Company, a marine contractor, supports the Coast Guard's goal of improving navigational safety but requests a specific exemption for authorized marine construction activities. They argue that the current broad language could unintentionally prohibit necessary temporary anchoring for infrastructure projects.

Robert N. Goldman, COO of NYS Marine Highway Transportation LLC, opposes the proposed rulemaking because it limits available anchorage areas without providing sufficient alternatives. He argues that these restrictions could compromise navigation safety, impact the regional economy, and reduce the Hudson River's effectiveness as a transportation corridor.

Gilbert Thomas, a retired Navy merchant mariner, opposes the proposed rulemaking because he believes it creates navigation hazards and risks the marine environment. He argues that the lack of defined anchorage grounds and the installation of high-voltage cables will endanger commercial operators and negatively impact the economy and supply chains.

Terry DeMeo, representing the Towboat & Harbor Carriers Association of the Ports of NY/NJ, opposes the proposed rule restricting vessel anchoring to locations established before January 1, 2021. The commenter argues that the restriction will reduce operational flexibility, create supply chain bottlenecks for essential commodities, and potentially increase navigational risks for vessels in the Hudson River.

Captain Timothy Bateman opposes the proposed rulemaking regarding anchorages in the Port of New York, arguing that it creates navigation hazards and risks the marine environment. He contends that the rule will negatively impact supply chains, national security, and the economy by restricting anchorage areas and potentially disrupting the Hudson River Green Highway.