Gal-Tex Pilot Commission Schedules Hearings

The Galveston-Texas City Pilots’ latest rate adjustment request will be addressed by the pilot commission beginning on Monday, Oct. 12. Maritime industry groups including the Houston-based West Gulf Maritime Association, the Port of Texas City, Carnival Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines and the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association have filed objections to the proposed increase.

The cruise lines and cruise industry association have also filed a suit against the pilot commission in Galveston County District Court. During a previous rate hearing the pilots agreed to drop a requirement for a second pilot on certain large cruise vessels. However, after contentious hearings the pilots in August withdrew the application for a rate increase that included this concession. The commission then ruled that the pilot rate reverted to a 2007 agreement which meant that the requirement for a second pilot was still in force. The cruise industry members are challenging this decision.

The Gal-Tex pilots guide deep-draft vessels from the Gulf into and out of Galveston Bay to the ports of Galveston and Texas City. The Houston pilots guide vessels from the Gulf into and out of the Houston Ship Channel.

Contact Janet Nodar at jcnodar@bellsouth.net.