Freeport Launch
Services, Inc.
1201 E. Brazos St.
Freeport, TX 77541
Voice: 979.233.8044
Fax:
979.233.1629
What is
a Launch service?
Ships
arrive in a port and need supplies. In many cases the ship cannot go
directly to a berth or the facility where they discharge cargo will not
allow them to take supplies. This is pretty typical with tanker type
vessels. A launch service will carry supplies to the ship via water.
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Locations Serviced ?
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How to order a launch?
Usually, the agent orders launch services. However, some
companies and even ship's captains order launch services directly.
Launch services should be ordered by
Telephone
Fax or
E-mail.
Launch requests should be made are far in advance as possible to avoid
conflicts. We offer launches on a first-come, first-served basis.
How do I contact the Launch service?
Contact us by telephone or fax. We only monitor VHF
during local launch traffic. Ships may contact the launch vessel on VHF
channel 16 directly. Call the launch vessel by name or call for "Launch
vessel." Radio calls to "Freeport Launch" will be answered by our base
station when monitored.
We also may be contacted on Single side band radio. USB, 4.125 khz using
a Necode number of 6868.
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What are the hours of operation ?
Office hours are weekdays from 0800 to 1630. Telephones are
answered 24 hrs. Launches run all hours of the day 7 days per week.
Including holidays.
Typically, we only delay launch traffic due to weather such as extreme
rainstorms, high winds, and fog. Offshore launches may be canceled or
delayed due to sea conditions.
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Who pays the bill ?
Usually the ship's agent pays. However, some shipping
companies have established direct billing. Even a few ship's captains
have accounts and pay upon completion of services. All payments must be
in U.S. Dollars.
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Typical charges
?
We offer a tariff list for all services. Launch vessels are
billed at an hourly rate. Rates for in-harbor are lower than offshore.
Our offshore rate begins when we leave the mouth of the river.
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We have various vessels used for launch purposes. They range in
size from a 40ft self-powered barge to 105 ft crewboats and a 110ft
utility vessel.
Can I specify a particular launch vessel ?
If possible we will honor specific requests. However, we
generally rotate both vessels and crews unless the particulars of a job
require certain vessels.
See:
Example: We attempt to use crewboats for offshore delivery for increased
speed and a less expensive bill to the customer. However, sea conditions
or cargo weight may dictate a utility vessel is most suited for the
task. In such a case, we reserve the right to use the most suitable
vessel.
Fuels and Lubes-- Bunkers
We do NOT offer fuel or bunkers at this time. We will
deliver lubes in drums, pails, or tote tanks. We accept drums loose.
Pails should be palletized and stacked to a maximum of two (2) layers.
Tote tanks have lifting eyes and are the easiest to handle.
We deliver water using a 1oft utility vessel. Most
orders for water are 100 metric tons.
U.S. Customs
During the past 2 years U.S. Customs has begun
enforcing laws that pertain to vessels entering U.S. Harbors. This is
supposed to be consistent enforcement at all US harbors.
Launch Vessels are
required
to enter
and clear harbors via U.S. Customs by law when contacting hovering
vessels off the US Coast.
Why does a launch insist on waiting for paperwork ?
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Why must a manifest be presented to a launch? I hired
an agent for this.
The master of every vessel arriving in the United States is
required to make entry shall have on board his vessel a manifest, as
required by:
Section 431, Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1431),
Launches are required to produce a manifest for Entry by US Customs.
Typically, a launch vessel returns to port empty or in ballast. But,
when the launch vessel returns to port with items taken from a ship on
the high seas, a manifest and Customs declaration is required. Thus, a
launch must obtain a manifest for any items taken from a ship. Even
though it is the ship agent's responsibility to declare and make proper
entry of the cargo on behalf of the ship.
Copyright © 2001-2007 - Freeport Launch Service
All Rights Reserved
Webmaster: John Hoss