THE PORT of Brisbane is back following the disruption of Cyclone Alfred.
A media release from the port at 2.45pm on Monday, said there had been 11 vessel movements in the past 24 hours, including two cruise ships.
The report said several vessels had skipped Brisbane due to TC Alfred, including MSC Manu and MSC Darwin and NYK Fushimi V130 has reported it will also omit Brisbane.
“It’s pleasing to see landside and waterside operations slowly resume at the port, with safety continuing to be paramount,” the release said.
“Congratulations to the team from Maritime Safety Queensland, Port of Brisbane’s maritime and operations teams, Poseidon Pilots and their teams, the shipping/cruise lines, and landside operators for working collaboratively to make that happen.
“It is important to note that there remains a watching brief over conditions at the port. With the heavy rain over the last 36 hours in particular, the volume of water travelling downriver towards the port and the speed with which it is moving remains of concern.
“Should conditions deteriorate to the point where safety and environmental risk is deemed to high, MSQ will take the required actions.”
The release said VTS continued to schedule vessels based on risk parameters.
“Further channel investigations will be undertaken over the days ahead to broaden out those parameters as we move towards the full resumption of operations.”
The release also urged port stakeholders to use extra caution on the roads with rain still falling and impacting the road network, to drive to the conditions and reduce speed.
In an MSQ update the release said VTS is continuing to work with the Port of Brisbane, terminals, and the pilotage provider in the development of the shipping schedule.
Latest restrictions will include selected vessels based on vessel size, ladder arrangements and the terminals’ priority.
Drafts <11.0m, until NW channel clearance survey has been completed – most likely to be reviewed on Wednesday.
No oversize container vessels (+300m LOA).
No bow thruster substitutions and a minimum of two tugs.
No berthing upstream of Pelican Banks for international trading ships, based on high currents and other flood related hazards.
The shipping schedule will be developed to cover the daylight berthing/unberthing only, this will again be reviewed tomorrow.
Pilot transfers will be suspended two hours either side of low water during the night.
