The wider Panama Canal will have serious consequences for the port of New York-New Jersey as larger container vessels will be unable to sail under the city’s Bayonne Bridge.
The Port Authority of New York-New Jersey said in a statement that it would engage the US Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) to assess how the Bayonne Bridge will affect future trade. The services of the Corps would cost US$300,000.
“The air draft limitations of the Bayonne Bridge have gradually given rise to concerns, as ocean carriers begin introducing or planning for the introduction of vessels with a capacity and size that will require either vessel modifications or favorable tidal conditions in order for vessel operators to take advantage of the planned 50-foot channels at the port,” the statement said.
“The recent decision to widen and deepen the Panama Canal could amplify the significance of the Bayonne Bridge limitation in terms of navigational safety and regional cargo flows.”
The Panama Canal can currently handle ships carrying up to 5,000, TEUs, known as Panamax vessels. However, with wider locks and deeper and wider access channels, the Canal would be able to handle ships carrying 10,000 to 12,000 TEUs, known as post-Panamax vessels. At 151 feet, the air draft of the Bayonne Bridge currently presents a limitation for vessels that carry 6,000 to 8,000 TEUs, depending on vessel design.
“Under this proposed action, the Corps would conduct an analysis of the impact of the Bayonne Bridge air draft on future port trade, navigational safety, security and transportation economics,” the NYNJ statement said.
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