Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) Richards Bay last month assisted Italian vessel MV Peppino Bottiglieri, which had caught fire and needed urgent laybye berth in Richards Bay.
In a statement released on Monday, TPT said the vessel was carrying coal destined for Malaysia when the crew discovered cargo coal smoldering in hatch number seven of the vessel.
The vessel initially proceeded to the Port of Durban in search of assistance; however, owing to its size and the port’s draft restrictions, the Durban port was unable to assist.
The vessel then contacted the Richards Bay Harbour Master, who approached TPT Richards Bay for assistance.
Together with Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), TPT worked on a solution that would be safe and effective for all involved.
The vessel was berthed at Richard’s Bay and TPT proceeded to unload the cargo, suppressing the smouldering coal.
Over the next three days, the cargo was loaded back onto the vessel under the supervision of TPT’s landside team with no further incidents to report.
“I am very proud of how our Richards Bay team handled themselves during this high-risk and very stressful period. It speaks volumes to the skilled and experienced staff we have on site,” said TPT GM for KwaZulu-Natal Operations, Bulk, Break-Bulk & Cars Nombuso Afolayan.
Edited by: Chanel de Bruyn
Creamer Media Senior Deputy Editor Online
EMAIL THIS ARTICLE SAVE THIS ARTICLE
To subscribe email subscriptions@creamermedia.co.za or click here
To advertise email advertising@creamermedia.co.za or click here
