GalTex Pilots Tug Matrix

The following guidelines have been developed to determine adequate Tug assistance in the Ports of Texas City and Galveston.  Similar docks have been grouped and coupled with vessel size and draft information. Assist tugs are then designated by the circumstances of the maneuver. Tugs are categorized by “bollard pull” as provided by area operators. Bollard pull is used rather than horsepower to rate tugs effectiveness. Additionally, the tug’s design type, tractor or conventional, has a definite bearing on effectiveness and desirability.

Tug Class Ratings:

Dated 27 July 2008

Minimum Bollard Pull (in pounds)

T can substitute for any class

L can substitute for S or M

M can substitute for S, except arrivals less than 30’

Bow thruster substitutes for smallest tug

Thrusters must meet the following minimum requirement of available horsepower to substitute for a tug. (1 KW equals 1.35HP)

As always, any vessels’ specific concerns should be discussed with the GalTex Pilots. Ships and the waters in which they operate represent a dynamic, ever-changing environment. Firm rules addressing every possible scenario are not possible. The individual pilot and master on board are best situated to evaluate the specific docking and/or undocking evolution contemplated by the vessel and the prevailing weather, current, and traffic situation affecting the vessel. These guidelines are recommendations only. It is recognized that the on-scene discretion of the pilot and master should not be hindered. The following guidelines regarding tug assistance are in no way intended to limit, hinder, or override the on-scene discretion of the pilot and master as they navigate vessels on the waters of Texas City and Galveston. We realize that there will be situations where actions that conflict with these recommendations may be necessary to address specific or special circumstances that confront a specific vessel. Further, it is recognized that as the demands of maritime commerce, vessel and tug design, and terminal configuration may change requiring a departure from the current tug assistance guidelines.

Texas City

TC 1 with TC 11 Unoccupied

TC 1 with TC 11 Occupied

TC 11,12,40,41

* NO BOW THRUSTER SUBSTITUTION PERMITTED

        ALL LENGTHS AND DRAFTS IN FEET

TC 15,19,20  (Note: Beam restriction @TC 19/20 ≤ 90’)

TC 16,32

TC 37, 38

TC 45

* NO BOW THRUSTER SUBSTITUTION PERMITTED

        ALL LENGTHS AND DRAFTS IN FEET

TC 50

TC 66,67

OCEAN GOING TUG / BARGE UNITS

* NO BOW THRUSTER SUBSTITUTION PERMITTED

        ALL LENGTHS AND DRAFTS IN FEET

Galveston

Channel-side docks (Piers 10, 16, 18, 21, 25, 27, 28, 30/32, 34, 35, 39/40, Gulf Sulfur Services**, Galveston Oil Terminal):

Slips (Piers 12, 14, 15, 37, 39 40, 41, Duval Slip):   Note: Ships restricted to ≤90’ beam in Galveston slips unless equipped with a working bow thruster.

Galveston Bulk Terminal:

  **Sulfur Enterprise:  Same as channel-side docks or per Master’s order

* NO BOW THRUSTER SUBSTITUTION PERMITTED

        ALL LENGTHS AND DRAFTS IN FEET

Dated 27 July 2008