WHILE flooding is causing devastation in low-lying regions of southern Queensland and northern NSW, container terminals and empty container depot at the Port of Brisbane are returning to service. 

There have been no reports of serious storm damage or severe weather impacts on port infrastructure, and access to the port’s landside facilities is unhindered. 

The regional harbour master shifted status from “red” to “yellow” on Sunday allowing some vessel movements within the channel area. 

In a note to stakeholders on Monday 10 March, the port said the region was expecting very large volumes of rainfall over the coming days, adding to the already large volumes of surface water on roads. 

Because of that, all port stakeholders should stay off the road if possible. “If vehicle movements are required, please use extra caution over the days ahead,” the release said. 

An update from the Container Transport Alliance Australia on Monday afternoon outlined the status for container terminals and empty container depot. 

It said the Patrick Brisbane Terminal began road receival and delivery from 6am on Monday – only receiving exports for nominated vessels known to be able to enter the port and work within the next 48 hours – i.e. MSC Lidia and ANL Kiwi Trader.  Several vessels have not called in to Brisbane as scheduled because of cyclone Alfred, including MSC Manu and MSC Darwin. NYK Fushimi V130 will also omit Brisbane from its schedule. 

Hutchison Brisbane’s terminal was open from 8am Monday, with export receivals for the Ela and OOCL Kuala Lumpur recommencing. 

DP World Brisbane remained closed until 3pm on Monday. 
 
Brisbane Empty Container Depots, ACFS Elink and E-Depot were open from 6am Monday; Gateway was also open from 6am; Tyne from 5am; DPW Brisbane Container Park (BCP) was open from noon; and Medlog, QUBE and Cargolink were TBA. 

The CTAA Alliance release went on to say that several transport companies have advised their customers that they will be resuming some operations, despite many employees dealing with road access issues and school closures, etc. 

“Some staff will be working remotely, and road access remains a significant concern, impacting on delivery timeframes.”