Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) has declared force majeure at the Richards Bay Bulk Terminal following a fire that broke out on Wednesday evening and affected conveyor belt routes, requiring the terminal to close.
“The fire was contained within five hours after the terminal isolated the electrical power to the routes to ensure that firefighters were able to extinguish the fire at speed,” according to a statement released on Friday.
TPT says there was no injury to any of its employees, service providers or customers on site although emergency services were called to the scene as a standard precautionary measure.
The cause of the fire is still unknown and a preliminary investigation is currently under way. Expert assessors and investigators are on site establishing the extent of the damage.
“The terminal is engaging with its affected customers and is in the process of putting the necessary contingencies in place as some routes are operational.”
Transnet says further details will be provided as more information becomes available.
