The US Coast Guard (USCG) and the US Army Corps of Engineers have informed stakeholders that the Puerto Nuevo Channel in San Juan Bay has been utilised beyond the legal scope. The channel is designated for vessels with a maximum beam capacity of 28 metres; however, vessels with a 32.2-metre beam are currently transiting, constituting an illegal use of the channel.
On 31 March 2025, the Puerto Rico Government, the US Federal Government, and other industry stakeholders convened to address the issue. The final determination was that the Puerto Rico Port Authority Director would submit a letter to the head of the US Army Corps of Engineers to initiate discussions on a long-term solution.
No short-term solution is currently available. Further meetings will be held to establish a viable interim approach. In the meantime, the USCG has advised that industry clients should be informed that while vessels may enter and operate, specific criteria must be met to minimise the risks associated with operations. Pilots must also feel confident in manoeuvring the vessels.
This situation may result in additional port call expenses, particularly in terms of towage. Effective risk management is crucial to preventing accidents during transit, as any incident would not be covered by Protection & Indemnity (P&I) insurance.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at iss.sanjuan@iss-shipping.com