Transnet is monitoring operations at the Ports of Cape Town, Saldanha, Port Elizabeth and Ngqura as stormy weather conditions sweep through parts of the country.
Strong winds reaching 35 to 50 knots and high sea swells exceeding 3.5 metres have led to shipping movements being suspended at some ports for safety reasons, Transnet has said in a statement.
“Vessels alongside are currently on standby and no major incidents have been reported thus far. The strong winds, which have created high swell conditions, must subside before vessel movements can resume,” Transnet said.
Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) marine operations are currently on standby to assist vessels, where required.
“The Cape Town Container Terminal, which is experiencing high swells until Saturday, has three vessels on berth that are unable to work due to the terminal’s wind-bound status. Another four vessels are planned to arrive by Thursday,” Transnet said.
In Gqeberha, the Ngqura Container Terminal had its last vessel finish in the early hours of Sunday.
“The port authority resolved on not berthing any more vessels until Wednesday and port terminal gates have been closed since then. The Port Elizabeth Container Terminal is also windbound, with one vessel on berth,” Transnet said.
The floods experienced in the Eastern Cape in June, along with current weather disruptions, have resulted in vessel congestion at the Port Elizabeth Bulk Terminal where manganese is handled. This has slowed down operations although vessel nominations have continued, Transnet said.
“Transnet Port Terminals is confident of managing the resulting vessel backlog with the recent acquisition of new cargo-handling equipment across some of its terminals, as well as the support of contracted original equipment manufacturers supplying spares in the case of breakdowns,” Transnet added.
“TNPA is taking appropriate measures to ensure safety of life, protection of the environment and prevention of damage to property,” said Transnet.
