Find government COVID 19 information at https://sacoronavirus.co.za
Home
FacebookTwitterSearchMenu
  • Subscribe
  • Subscribe
  • News
  • Features
  • Knowledge Library
  • Columns
  • Customs
  • Jobs
  • Directory
  • FX Rates
  • Contact us
    • Contact us
    • About Us
    • Advertise
    • Send us news
Africa
Imports and Exports
Other
Sea Freight

Port of Beira reopens thanks to effective cyclone mitigation

25 Jan 2021 - by Eugene Goddard
0 Comments

Share

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google+
  • LinkedIn
  • E-mail
  • Print

Mozambique’s Port of Beira is expecting its first big vessels again today thanks to measures put in place by concession company Cornelder de Moçambique that enabled them to restart operations after Cyclone Eloise wreaked havoc on the country’s coastline over the weekend.

This was despite Eloise being stronger than expected, Cornelder chief executive Jan de Vries said.

The impact of the fierce wind and torrential rain on the city had also lasted longer than initially anticipated, he added.

“The port withstood well. Preventative measures paid off and damages are limited. Warehouses with cyclone-proof roofs withstood perfectly.”

Some offices lost their roofs though in the tempest that exceeded forecasts of 150-kilometre wind speeds.

“The city is quite battered, with large areas flooded but now subsiding. Main roads are also accessible,” De Vries said.

Work that had gone into securing Beira’s energy feed and telecommunications network after the devastation of Cyclone Idai in March 2019 had also borne fruit, he emphasised.

“Communication interruption was much shorter and most networks are on air, even if still a bit unstable. Power to main areas are back on and in the city’s neighbourhoods authorities are hard at work to get power back.”

In the port itself communication systems were dismantled to prepare for Eloise and were yesterday remounted after the cyclone passed over towards Zimbabwe, South Africa and Eswatini.

De Vries stated that by yesterday 1pm all systems had been operational and trucks had already been allowed to re-enter the port.

As was the case with Idai, cranes were also tied down to minimise the cyclone’s impact while minor damages are already being repaired.

“Navigation in and out of the port was reopened this morning as the access channel had to be sounded. Also, nets of fishing ships that sank in the fishing port had floated into the channel and had to be removed.”

Roads and railways serving hinterland linkages were also open and working, De Vries confirmed.

The effect on the rural population though was severe, he said, with the extent of flooding-related damage yet to be determined

Containers lost at sea a growing concern

Imports and Exports
Today 12:00
0 Comments

Expansion in East Africa, Northern Mozambique on the cards

Africa
Today 11:30
0 Comments

Unlocking opportunities for female truck drivers

Other
Today 11:00
0 Comments

Peppers exporter riding high after bumper maiden crop

Africa
Today 10:15
0 Comments

Lufthansa Cargo posts record earnings

Africa
Today 09:45
0 Comments

Airports company reports six-month loss

Africa
Today 09:30
0 Comments

World Bank and WCO add momentum to Sars’ trade facilitation initiative

Africa
Today 09:30
0 Comments

Apus set to sail this month

Other
Yesterday
0 Comments

BORDER BEAT: Beira seal backlog at Chirundu adequately addressed

Africa
Yesterday
0 Comments

Police pounce on R500-million cocaine haul

Africa
Yesterday
0 Comments

Lesotho temporarily bans apple imports

Africa
Yesterday
0 Comments

Global air cargo volumes recover to pre-Covid level

Air Freight
Yesterday
0 Comments

Qantas reconsiders Jo’burg-Perth

Africa
Yesterday
0 Comments

EU-UK border chaos fears loom

Border Beat
03 Mar 2021
0 Comments

Gauteng government reiterates its position to reject e-tolls

Africa
03 Mar 2021
0 Comments

Integration key amid sharp shifts in consumer demand

Logistics
03 Mar 2021
0 Comments

Insurance industry welcomes Aarto

Other
03 Mar 2021
0 Comments

Africa gets serious about maritime climate change interventions

Logistics
03 Mar 2021
0 Comments

Introduction of 5G timely – but limited in scope

Other
03 Mar 2021
0 Comments

Seals threaten Beira’s ascendancy

Africa
02 Mar 2021
0 Comments
  • More

FeatureClick to view

Southern African Ports and Terminals March 2021

Border Beat

BORDER BEAT: Beira seal backlog at Chirundu adequately addressed
Yesterday
EU-UK border chaos fears loom
03 Mar 2021
BORDER BEAT: Vic Falls border closure for cargo postponed
01 Mar 2021
More

Poll

Has mental health and wellness been a priority in your workplace?

Featured Jobs

New

Logistics Specialist

Rectron (PTY) LTD
Midrand
05 Mar
New

Customs Clearing Clerk

Tiger Recruitment
East Rand
04 Mar

Ee Sheq Manager

Lee Botti & Associates
Johannesburg East
03 Mar
More Jobs
  • © Now Media
  • Privacy Policy
  • Freight News RSS
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Send us news
  • Contact us