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NC: Cape Fear River, Wilmington Harbor Anchorage Basin, Dredging
- Date Reported: Nov 7, 2025
- Reporter: Waterway Guide Staff
- Source: USCG District 5
- Description:
The clamshell dredge BALTIMORE will commence dredging operations on or about November 15, 2025 on the Cape Fear River in the Wilmington Harbor Anchorage Basin approximately 1000 ft south of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge and be working to the south covering the entire basin down to Cape Fear River Channel Lighted Buoy 61 (LLNR 30935).
The Dredge BALTIMORE which operates on four anchor wires that are located hundreds of feet away from the dredge will be loading mud scows which will be towed to the Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Site (ODMDS) located 4.5 miles Southeast of Cape Fear River Entrance Channel Lighted Buoy 2 (LLNR 30318). Upon completion of the Wilmington Harbor Anchorage Basin work, the BALTIMORE will commence dredging operations working outbound in Upper Big Island Reach, Lower Big Island Reach, Keg Island, Horseshoe Shoal, Snows Marsh, Lower Swash, and Battery Island Channel. The project is expected to continue until further notice.
There will be two 72- inch yellow can buoys with white lights at each location, and Mariners are advised to stay clear of these locations. The Dredge Operator will standby on Channels #13 and #16 VHF-FM. Traffic should call 60 minutes prior to the expected time of passage. All mariners are requested to stay clear of the dredge, booster, pipelines, barges, derricks and operating wires about the dredge.
All operators of vessels of all types should be aware that the dredge and pontoon lines are held in place by cables, which are attached to the anchors some distance away from the equipment. Buoys are attached to the anchors so that the anchors may be moved as the dredge advances. Mariners are cautioned to strictly comply with the Inland Rules of the Road when approaching, passing and leaving the area of operations, and remain a safe distance away from the dredge, booster, buoys, cables, pipelines, barges, derricks, wires and related equipment.
Owners and lessees of fishnets, crab pots and other structures which may hinder navigation should remove these from the area where tugs, tender boats and other attendant equipment will be navigating. Since the project will be conducted twenty-four (24) hours per day seven (7) days a week, all fishnets, crab pots and structures in the area must be removed or marked with clearly visible buoys and lights. MSI # 31626.
- Lat / Lon: N 34° 13.027' / W 077° 57.305'
DISCLAIMER: Waterway Guide Media provides Navigation Alerts as a resource for planning purposes only and does not warrant the information included in the postings as accurate. Advice and descriptions contained in the alerts are not for navigation.
