The Coast Guard is establishing a new commercial anchorage ground, Anchorage R, approximately 3 nautical miles (NM) west of Cape Charles, VA, and is increasing the size and relocating the existing quarantine anchorage from there to a more secluded location in the lower Chesapeake Bay, approximately 6 NM southwest of Fishermans Island, VA.
Rear Adm. Keith Smith, commander of Fifth Coast Guard District, signed a final rule Thursday.
On June 22, 2018, after reviewing the oral and written comments (84) in response to the ANPRM, the Coast Guard developed a proposed rule and published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
“The Coast Guard facilitates $5.4 trillion in commerce through the Maritime Transportation System annually,” said Smith. “Formally establishing this anchorage, where ships already anchor, and moving the quarantine anchorage helps ensure the safety of the MTS. It also protects the Chesapeake Bay by reducing potential pollution threats through regulation of the area.”
The final rule can be read here.
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