Transnet suspends shipping at Durban terminals amid deadly floods
Transnet says shipping services at Durban terminals have been suspended following deadly floods in KwaZulu-Natal.
Heavy rains have damaged the roads infrastructure leading into the Port of Durban, affecting access into the terminals.
Officials say the floods in the province have left at least 45 people dead.
Transnet says the precautionary suspension which came into effect on Monday night, is also due to safety reasons for their employees and customers.
There have been no major incidents reported at the terminals and vessels on berth are on standby.
Spokesperson Ayanda Shezi says they are assessing the extent of the damage.
“A multi-disciplinary command centre, comprising the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), operators and customers has been set up and is monitoring activities. Customers have been requested to hold back on bringing trucks into the port, to avoid congestion.
“In Richards Bay, the terminals are operating at limited capacity, with challenges experienced in handling wet cargo. Rail lines in certain parts of the province are operating at limited capacity because of flooding. Transnet Freight Rail’s engineering teams will assess the extent of the damage before full operations can resume. The safety of Transnet employees remains paramount.”
