Wild weather shuts Port of Richards Bay
Both Richards Bay and Durban Ports affected by strong winds, high swells
DUE to adverse weather conditions, marine movements at the Port of Richards Bay were suspended on Sunday night at around 6pm, when swells reached four metres, and the wind was measured as gusting at up to 30 knots.
‘While Port Management acknowledges that efficiency is of utmost importance, the safety of our port users remains top priority,’ said Nompumelelo Mkhize – Deputy Harbour Master at the Port of Richards Bay.
‘Monitoring and assessment will continue, and should the weather improve, operations will recommence.’
He said that Transnet Port Authority (TNPA’s) port authority operations, including marine services, can be affected during heavy winds and swells which can prevent the safe movement of vessels in and out of the port, depending on the vessel category.
‘It is standard procedure for Port Control to closely monitor weather conditions and to advise the affected stakeholders when it is regarded unsafe to move vessels.’
Meanwhile, at the Port of Durban’s Container Terminal: Pier 2, operations were briefly suspended at 9.30pm on Sunday, but had resumed by 1am on Monday morning.
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