Storm Damage at Durban Port

Extreme storms in South Africa last week have caused major damage to the port of Durban and its infrastructure, which have inevitably resulted in carriers adjusting schedules.

According to the Transnet Ports Authority it is still too early to assess the full extent of the damage, but they confirmed that three vessels were grounded, containers were blown into the bay and mooring lines were broken.

The ‘MOL Proficiency’ was damaged by another vessel that broke its moorings and had to complete immediate repairs before returning to Europe. Meanwhile the ‘Maersk Lanco’ and ‘Maersk Leon’ will both be discharging Durban cargo at Coega Port, which is some 900 kms away.

High winds also grounded the vessel ‘MSC Ines‘ (below) as it blew into the port’s channel and blocked the entrance.