On March 23, 2014, the Port of Houston issued a press release advising that two vessels collided in the Houston Ship Channel near Texas City on March 22, 2014, resulting in an oil spill and the closure of the Houston Ship Channel to vessel movement until the spill is cleared.

According to Houston Chronicle, “At least 33 vessels, including two cruise ships, are waiting to enter the channel from the Gulf of Mexico. Thirty-six vessels, including one cruise ship, are waiting to leave Galveston Bay. The waterways and ferry will not be opened until the water is clear, which could take several days, if not weeks. The cargo tank hauled nearly 4,000 barrels, meaning as much as 168,000 gallons of the fuel could have spilled from that compartment into the bay.”

The U.S. Coast Guard is coordinating the emergency response efforts and spill containment.

Expeditors will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they occur. Please contact your local branch for any further assistance and specific concerns.

The press releases can be accessed here and here