WITH Tropical Cyclone Alfred adopting a peripatetic approach to inflicting itself on Brisbane and environs, the shipping and port industry has little option other than to wait out the storm.
In its 1615 update this afternoon [6 March] the Port of Brisbane again advised there has been no change to the port’s operational posture overnight. The shipping channel remains restricted, under direction from Maritime Safety Queensland’s Regional Harbour Master. Access to the port’s landside precincts is unchanged. “From a cruise perspective, there are no cruise calls scheduled today or Friday. Other scheduled cruise calls are under consideration by MSQ and the cruise lines, PoB said.
MSQ noted the RHM’s direction was for the continued closure of the Brisbane and Southport Pilotage Areas, associated waterways, rivers, marinas, buoy mooring grids and anchorages to all vessels.
Vessels are not to leave their moorings or marina berths until the official all-clear is given by the RHM.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued Storm Force Wind Warning for Sunshine Coast Waters, Moreton Bay and Gold Coast Waters for today 6 March and tomorrow 7 March, and a Marine Wind Warning Summary, details of all of which can be found on the Bureau’s website.
MSQ said it is expected the port operations will be suspended Thursday through to Saturday. “VTS are continuing to work with the PoB, terminals, and the pilotage provider for the development of the shipping schedule for when shipping operations resumes.
“Until shipping is scheduled to resume, agents are to inform ships to remain outside or Queensland State waters until advised by VTS.”
The resumption of shipping operations will be based on:
Favourable weather and sea conditions,
Review of navigable channels within the Brisbane Pilotage area.
