Chopper downtime delays shipping

Long queue of ships waits to enter harbour

Dave Savides

June 13, 2017

The pilot boat Jojosi is being utilised in the absence of the helicopter, making trips to the outer anchorage more challenging and far more time consuming

AFTER shipping movements at the Port of Richards Bay were restricted by bad weather a month ago, the queue of vessels waiting to enter the harbour has still hardly diminished.

Well over 50 vessels are waiting at the outer anchorage, the delays now the result of the non-availability of the port chopper used to transfer marine pilots to and from ships.

The TNPA chopper used to transfer marine pilots to and from ships entering the harbour will hopefully be back in operation by Friday
Photos: Dave Savides

Harbour Master at the Port of Richards Bay, Captain Sabelo Mdlalose, explained: ‘The port’s helicopter is out of commission and will be back in operation by Friday.

ALSO READ: Bad weather closes Richards Bay port

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