Despite the fire at the NCT woodchip mill and a conveyor belt at the Port of Richards Bay last week, port operations were not affected, as the port’s firefighting teams and the City of uMhlathuze Fire and Rescue Department battled the blaze to bring it under control by Sunday.
A statement from Nkululeko Molefe, corporate affairs spokesperson of Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) in Richards Bay, said: “Whilst Transnet National Ports Authority and local authorities attended to the fire incident that started at the NCT stockpiles and conveyor belts in Richards Bay on 28 September, 2023, the Port of Richards Bay remains fully operational.
“To ensure minimal disruption to port operations, the port has advised all cargo owners who use trucks for cargo transportation to utilise the truck booking system.
“Employees and port users remain the port’s biggest priority and they have been encouraged to remain compliant with instructions or safety protocols issued by TNPA as well as local authorities.
“TNPA thanks all stakeholders for the support and co-operation during this difficult time.”