A strong south easterly wind gusting up to 103 kilometres an hour led to the Port of Cape Town being closed to most ocean traffic, with inbound vessels being the only ships allowed to enter the harbour.
Window opportunities for docking remained very slim though and all outbound vessels activities were brought to a halt.
According to one source the wind started howling on Thursday afternoon, with weather service predictions warning that the tempestuous conditions will last until Monday or Tuesday next week.
Ian Rosario, operations director at MSC, said they’re expecting to be delayed until at least Tuesday.
Harbour master Alex Miya told FTWOnline: “The Port of Cape Town is closely monitoring the heavy South Easterly winds gusting to 60 knots which have halted vessel movements in the port”.
“There is a possibility of delays to scheduled docking and sailing times, as the heavy winds are forecast to continue until early next week.
“Vessels have been advised to ensure that their mooring lines are well secured while they are in the port and to deploy extra mooring lines where possible.”
He stressed that vessels are to inform Port Control immediately in the event of broken mooring lines.
“We have tug boats on standby to assist in case of emergency. Vessels at anchorage are to be on alert and have been directed to move out to sea until the weather improves.”
“Terminal operations are affected due to wind restrictions which apply to the operation of specific equipment, such as the harbour cranes which automatically cease operation when wind speeds exceed design limits, in order to ensure the safety of our people and our equipment.”
