The pilots closed the channel at 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 2 due to weather conditions associated with Tropical Storm Lee.
“Port of New Orleans officials worked closely with the Coast Guard and River Pilots throughout this event and we always err on the side of caution for the safety of all involved,” said Port of New Orleans President and CEO Gary LaGrange. “We are pleased the channel is open once again to allow for the free flow of commerce and River traffic.” Three container ships are due to arrive at the Port’s Napoleon Avenue Container Terminal tonight, along with two cruise ships, which altered sailing schedules due to the storm.
The Carnival Triumph, which was scheduled to arrive this morning, will arrive at 4:30 p.m. today at the Port’s Erato Street Cruise Terminal and will depart again by 11 p.m. tonight. The Norwegian Spirit, which was scheduled to arrive Sunday, Sept. 4, will berth at the Erato Street Cruise Terminal following the Triumph’s departure. The Norwegian Spirit will sail tomorrow on a shortened five-day cruise and resume its normal seven-day Western Caribbean cruise schedule on Sunday. Norwegian passengers will receive rebates on the shortened cruise and were offered discounted accommodations while awaiting the ship’s arrival.
Port officials also report all bridges are operating normally over the Inner Harbor Navigation Canal.