Transnet slowly resumes port operations after battering by Cape storms

Transnet is gradually resuming operations at some ports that were affected by recent adverse weather conditions.

Early last week, Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) suspended shipping movements at some ports for safety reasons due to storms on the Cape coast. "Operations at the Port Elizabeth Bulk Terminal, Saldanha and the Cape Town Multipurpose Terminals resumed on Wednesday," TNPA said in a statement last Thursday.

"The Cape Town Container Terminal is still experiencing high swells and remains windbound. This has impacted two vessels that are unable to dock. TNPA is assessing the movements of smaller ships, which can be docked during this period," it added.

South Africa was hit by a series of cold fronts at the weekend that led to heavy rainfall, snowfall and gusty winds.

It also resulted in a Panama-flag-carrying cargo vessel, the Ultra Galaxy, tilting off the West Coast. Its 18 crew members were rescued on Tuesday, News24 reported. It was en route to Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.

At the time, the South African Maritime Safety Authority (Samsa) raised concerns over possible pollution risks. Samsa subsequently dispatched two salvage tugs to rescue the 124.6-metre vessel.

In a statement on Wednesday evening, Samsa indicated that the vessel had run aground the night before, and efforts were underway to prevent a fuel and oil spill. "... Preliminary indications are that the vessel has a full load of fertiliser in bags on board. She also has low sulphur bunkering fuel in addition to hydraulic and related oils," Samsa said.

The MV Ultra Galaxy was built in 2008.

-News24