The U.S. Coast Guard today announced that comments are being sought by Monday, May 18 on a Port Access Route Study to determine whether existing or additional vessel routing measures are needed along the North Carolina coast and in approaches to the Cape Fear River and Beaufort Inlet. Requests for a public meeting are due by Friday, April 17.
Factors to be considered include planned or potential offshore development, current port capabilities and planned improvements, increased vessel traffic, existing and potential anchorage areas, changing vessel traffic patterns, weather conditions, and navigational difficulty. The announcement specifically states that the study will use Automatic Identification System data and information to identify and verify customary navigation routes as well as potential conflicts involving alternative activities such as wind energy generation and offshore mineral exploitation and exploration.
The Coast Guard notes that the study is focused on routes between port approaches and international entry and departure transit areas affecting North Carolina ports, and that study recommendations may lead to future rulemakings or international agreements.
