Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) has confirmed that Richards Bay Dry Bulk Terminal (DBT) Export Berth 101 will remain unavailable for use until further notice.
TPT issued a force majeure declaration last Monday (February 26) following the breakdown of a ship loader at the berth.
A spokesman told FTW Online that the breakdown was the result of an electrical fault on the rectifier of the berth. “The resulting impact of the Man Takraft loader breakdown on Monday is that berth 801 will be unavailable for use. This will affect vessels scheduled for DBT Export berths,” the spokesman said.
“TPT will advise when normal operations will resume and a further communique will be issued to affected consumers and stakeholders.
“Every effort is being made to resume normal operations. TPT has arranged for the equipment OEM and specialists to attend to the breakdown after internal efforts were unsuccessful to repair the loader.”
According to TPT, the components required to repair the equipment are only available from Germany, with a lead time of approximately seven days.
“Every effort is being made in the interim to source these parts locally and TPT is in the process of engaging with various industries in an effort to reduce downtime.”
