SHIP movements are gradually coming back into motion at the Port of Brisbane after being suspended for most of this week.
The port is recovering from several days of heavy rainfall, strong currents in the Brisbane River and debris with the potential to impact navigation.
Port of Brisbane chief executive officer interim Neil Stephens confirmed this morning the regional harbour master has authorised the first vessel movements since operations were halted on Sunday afternoon.
In an operational update, Mr Stephens said the movements will be made under extreme caution.
“Following extensive planning and simulation, a tanker currently berthed at Ampol Crude Berth will depart this morning, with another urgent crude oil tanker (already at inner anchorage) to be brought in soon after,” he said.
“As you could understand, this vessel exchange has been prioritised by the RHM in order to maintain ongoing fuel supplies in the region.
“Other vessel movements for ships currently at anchorage will be scheduled on a risk-based, case-by-case approach by the RHM in the days ahead.”
In a stakeholder update, Container Transport Alliance Australia director Neil Chambers said impacts on stevedore operations have emerged while vessel movements have been suspended.
“Patrick has advised that due to vessel movements still being suspended, the Patrick Brisbane Terminal is nearing export cargo capacity,” Mr Chambers said.
He said the terminal is ceasing all export cargo receivals from 10pm tonight (3 March) but will resume full operations at the first opportunity, subject to the resumption of shipping movements.
Mr Chambers said operations at DP World Brisbane Terminal were suspended briefly on several occasions on Thursday morning due to lightning,
According to the update, the DP World terminal will reportedly be closed from 2pm Thursday afternoon until 7am Friday morning (4 March).
Hutchison Brisbane Terminal was reportedly closed for scheduled maintenance from yesterday afternoon but has since reopened.
