Operations Circular

Ports Situation Reports from Chennai and ColomBO - 2004 Dec 28

Following the devastating Tsunami that ravaged the Coasts in the Bay of Bengal on the morning of 26th Dec, we are relieved to report that all BTL colleagues and vessels are safe and sound.  While the toll continues to rise as the magnitude of this calamity is assessed, following are the situations reported in from Chennai and Colombo ports.

Chennai

Operations were suspended from 26th morning, and the 2 vessels alongside the Chennai Container Terminal (CCTL) berths were shifted to anchorage.  2 quay gantries were damaged during the shifting of these 2 vessels (albeit one only slightly), and a few empty containers were swept into the sea by the receding wave.

The approach channel and the berths were surveyed and inspected yesterday, and 1 vessel was shifted back to berth early this morning (28/Dec).  Operations on that vessel has just recommenced (0920hr India LT), but as the sea conditions remain turbulent - port is consulting and discussing with the various departments, before berthing the other vessels awaiting at the anchorage.

Colombo

Operations were suspended from 26th morning with minimal damages reported – even though a vessel was reported to have collided with the pier and subsequently the breakwater.  (All crew onboard that vessel were safely evacuated subsequently).

After the berths and the approach channel had been surveyed and inspected, the port operations resumed yesterday (27/Dec) afternoon, albeit slower operations due to staff’s transportation difficulties following the damages to the roads.

Schedule

All ports and vessels’ operations are expected to be delayed following this distressing catastrophe, and we shall keep you closely posted on the above ports’ situation and BTL vessels’ positions. (Other Indian ports not operationally affected.)