Port of Brisbane lauds stakeholders for support in aftermath of floods

FOLLOWING two cautious vessel movements at the Port of Brisbane yesterday, PBPL has attributed the success of the operation to the stakeholders involved.

The regional harbour master authorised the movements of two tankers on Thursday morning to sustain fuel supplies in the region.

Operations had been suspended since Sunday afternoon at the direction of the harbour master due to strong currents in the Brisbane River and potential debris obstructions.

DCN understands the strength of the currents and the volumes of debris have been heightened by ongoing flood releases from the Wivenhoe Dam which connects to the Brisbane River.

In a flood response update, a PBPL spokesperson said they could not understate the complexity nor the importance of Thursday morning’s ship movements.

“It is a credit to all stakeholders who took part: the RHM and his Maritime Safety Queensland staff, Svitzer tugs, Ampol, the pilots and the ships’ agents and masters,” the spokesperson said.

“Of course, I am particularly proud of the role [PBPL’s] operations staff played, particularly our hydrographic surveyors and marine crew who have been working nonstop since the weekend to get the port back up and running safely.”

PBPL said the harbour master is now working toward clearing vessels from Fisherman Island and safely bringing in vessels at anchorage.

The process is understood to have commenced on Thursday afternoon, but the spokesperson said it would take time while the conditions were assessed to ensure all movements could be conducted safely.

In a services update, ANL confirmed regular river assessments would impact vessel schedules and export receivals at Brisbane.

ANL’s update indicated export receivals are still temporarily suspended at DP World and Patrick terminals.

PBPL acknowledged that, although the weather forecast suggests the challenging conditions are easing, there is still some storm activity in the region.

“We thank all port stakeholders for their patience to this point, and kindly ask for your continued understanding while the RHM makes scheduling decisions over the days ahead,” the spokesperson said.

“I again ask everyone in the port community to put safety first and foremost, whether it’s here at work or at home.”