By Jite Eriabie
Nearly all of the Port of Durban had reopened to marine operations by 4pm on Thursday, however, some issues remained with terminal handling equipment damaged in Tuesday’s storms.
South Africa’s Transnet National Port Authority (TNPA) said progress had been made with an obstruction on the seabed of the port and by 4pm on Thursday 95% of the port area was safe for navigation.
“The latest results of the sounding surveys that were conducted indicate that there is no obstruction on the seabed that could pose risk to navigation along the Durban Container Terminal: Pier 1. However, sounding surveys are still in progress along the C-Shed area and in the interest of ensuring safe navigation of vessels, vessel movement is still suspended in this area,” TNPA said.
While most berths were open at the port challenges remained with handling equipment at some terminals, which was not in operation due to damage caused by the storms. Marine and pilot services were fully operational.
The Port of Durban was closed on Tuesday after severe storms saw three vessels grounded in the port and a floating dock sunk.
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