Heavier Oil Concentrations Targeting Louisiana Gulf Shipping Lanes

Excerpt:
5-20-10 11:48

Atmospheric Administration Wednesday night warned that "medium" concentrations of oil may encroach on the Southwest Pass by 7:00 p.m. EDT Saturday. No more than "light" concentrations of oil have been previously reported in that area.

"Winds are forecast to be from the southeast through Saturday with speeds of 10-15 knots [11-13 miles per hour]," said NOAA. "Weakly upcoast (eastward) currents...have been keeping this oil from moving much further westward. However, with persistent southeast winds, stronger westward currents may develop, and there is potential for shoreline contacts."

Southwest Pass is a Mississippi River shipping channel used exclusively by vessels involved in international commerce with the Louisiana Gulf's five deepwater ports, facilities comprising the world's busiest port complex. It lies in Plaquemines Parish in southeastern Louisiana.

"The heavier oil forecast isn't good, but we haven't had any delays, cancellations or ships cleaned because of the oil spill yet," said Chris Bonura, spokesman for the Port of New Orleans. "This oil doesn't seem to be very sticky. Even the boats involved in the recovery effort, that plow right through the slick, don't seem to get very dirty."