The Port of Port Elizabeth was back in action yesterday after a brief suspension of operations due to the collapse earlier this week of a gantry crane which was blocking the entrance to the harbour.
Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) announced that the crane boom had been successfully floated and secured to the quay wall of the berth opposite the breakwater in the port entrance channel.
Removal of debris on the seabed along with a final dive inspection was conducted before the harbour master declared the port safe for shipping.
“Three pilots, a berthing crew and our two tugs will be deployed to expedite the recovery of the shipping backlog,” said Port Elizabeth port manager, Rajesh Dana.
Phase 2 of the recovery and salvage operation at the port will now begin, including the removal of the crane boom from the water as well as the deconstruction and removal of the landside crane wreckage from the port. According to TNPA, the second phase of the operation will not affect terminal or shipping operations.
“The safety of all parties remains our priority and the salvage operation happens under the watchful eye of our engineers,” said TPT Cape Channel general manager, Velile Dube.