Shipping movements in and out of Duncan Dock and Cape Town Container Terminal resumed at 19h00 on Tuesday evening as a 335-metre-long vessel blocking the entrance was refloated.
Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) deployed three tugs to assist in the refloating of the vessel, CMA CGM SAMSON, after the vessel's bow struck the South Breakwater at approximately 13h22 today while entering the Cape Town Container Terminal at low tide
A TNPA spokesperson said refloating attempts were undertaken at high tide at 17h00 today in collaboration with the South African Maritime Safety Authority (Samsa). She said the vessel was now safely berthed at the container terminal’s Berth 604 where independent surveyors would assess the damage. Cape Town Port Manager Mpumi Dweba-Kwetana said: “Thanks to the capabilities, commitment and teamwork of our marine crew working alongside other emergency role players, this was only a short disruption to the port and its customers."
The CMA CGM SAMSON, carrying 1 000 containers, was en route from Singapore with 23 crew members on board. Her next destination was Pointe Noire in the Congo.
“TNPA will provide further updates as progress is made during the salvage operation,” said the spokesperson.
