Port of New Orleans Oil Spill Update No. 3

As the response continues to the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, ship traffic remains unrestricted on the Lower Mississippi River and its main approach from the Gulf. Although the oil spill is affecting part of the eastern section of the Mouth of the Mississippi River, Southwest Pass, the main pass for deep draft navigation, remains clear of oil.

Winds have pushed the oil slick north and it has stayed to the East of Southwest Pass. The latest projections indicate that Southwest Pass will remain clear at least until May 2nd at 6 p.m. Forecasters are not able to predict beyond that time frame. As more up to date forecasts become available, they will be posted here.

Six ships are scheduled to arrive at the Port of New Orleans this weekend, including two container vessels and one cruise ship. The Carnival Triumph will arrive at the Erato Street Cruise Terminal early Saturday morning to disembark passengers concluding their cruise and embark passengers for a cruise that set sail Saturday evening