January 28, 2026
Change in Ice Condition
Ice Condition Three
The Captain of the Port, Sector Delaware Bay has set Ice Condition Three for all waters north of the Interstate 95
bridge in Bristol, PA.
The following restrictions are in effect, only steel hull vessels with a 1,500 minimum shaft horsepower and a main
engine cooling system design that prevents blockage from ice, and that are part of a vessel convoy, may enter,
operate in, or transit north of the Interstate 95 bridge in Bristol, PA. Vessels may only transit in Ice Condition
Three during daylight hours.
Ice Condition Two
The Captain of the Port, Sector Delaware Bay has set Ice Condition Two for the Delaware River south of the
Interstate 95 bridge in Bristol, PA.
The following restrictions are in effect, only steel hull vessels with 1,500 minimum shaft horsepower and a main
engine cooling system design that prevents blockage from ice, may enter, operate in, or transit the Delaware River.
C&D Canal
Due to ice in the C&D Canal, the Maryland and Delaware pilots are no longer able to board ships at Chesapeake
City. Therefore, until the ice subsides, for eastbound sailings from Baltimore or westbound sailings from
Philadelphia/Wilmington and Arrivals at Cape Henlopen 6 hours’ notice will be required for movements. The extra
notice is necessary to bring a Delaware Pilot down to Baltimore or send a Maryland Pilot to Philadelphia/Delaware
prior to the ship`s departure or arrival.
If you have any questions regarding the contents of this bulletin, please contact the Waterways Management staff
at (206) 815-6688, option 3.