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03 January 2005 14:56

More Asian Tsunami Ports News

Following Reported by CargoLaw Electronic Newsletter, Published by LA Law Firm Countryman & McDaniel (03DEC05)

Tsunami Damage To Ports Reported

Maersk Sealand reports the ports of Chennai in southern India & Colombo in Sri Lanka were damaged by the Indian Ocean tsunami on Dec. 26, but all South Asian ports affected by the waves or flooding have resumed operations, according to industry sources. Maersk Sealand reported that 4 of 6 gantry cranes at the port of Chennai are now back in operation, and that the terminal is able to handle vessels. "However, due to the reduced amount of operational cranes, only 2 vessels can be loaded/unloaded simultaneously," the carrier said. The Indian port closed operations on the morning of Dec. 26 amid flooding. "No major activity is taking place as the roads outside the port are blocked by traffic & road damages," Maersk Sealand added, commenting on landside port operations at Chennai. The port authorities of Chennai are reportedly carrying out a survey of the channel & berths. In the ports of Cochin and Tuticorin, also in southern India, and Colombo, in Sri Lanka, port operations are back to normal. Maersk Sealand reported that no other ports in West India, Pakistan, Aden, Hodeida, Djibouti and Muscat were affected by the tsunami. Ports are working normally in Malaysia & Thailand, according to shipping line sources.

APL said that it does not anticipate "any significant changes" to its operations over the coming weeks due to the tsunami. "The earthquake & resulting tsunami tidal waves did not result in an extended disruption in vessel or terminal services in the areas affected," APL said in a statement. "Vessel movements and loading/discharging of cargo are on schedule & APL's offices remain open across the region, including those in Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh & Myanmar."

>Zim Line said that one of its ships bypassed Colombo, but all its ships continued operations normally. A ship of the Grand Alliance also canceled a call at Colombo, while another was delayed in the Sri Lankan port.

OOCL reported that a terminal in Colombo was damaged by the feeder M/V Jaami, pushed in by the tsunami. "Berth disruptions and delays/misconnections of transshipments are expected in the coming weeks," it warned.

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