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In this HOT PORT NEWS, read about:
* South Africa, Cape Town – Application for ISPS required in advance
* Hong Kong, Hong Kong – Decorative lighting installation works
* Australia, all ports – Tropical Cyclone closes all Pilbara iron ore ports
DATE: January 11, 2012-COUNTRY: South Africa-PORT: Cape Town-Application for ISPS required in advance
The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) has advised that
vessels entering Cape Town port or proceeding to inner anchorage position
must apply for ISPS 96 hours prior to arrival (excluding weekends), in
order to avoid any delays.
For information about operations in Cape Town contact GAC South Africa at
shipping.capetown@gac.com
DATE: January 11, 2012-COUNTRY: Hong Kong-PORT: Hong Kong-Decorative lighting installation works
With effect from 12 January 2012 and for a period of approximately 6 months, decorative lighting installation works will be carried out at Ap Lei Chau Bridge.
During the works period, from time to time, a working platform will be
established aloft besides the Ap Lei Chau Bridge.
Vessels navigating in the vicinity should proceed with caution.
(For information about operations in Hong Kong contact GAC Hong Kong at
shipping.hongkong@gac.com)
Source: Government of Hong Kong SAR Marine Department Notice No.5 of 2012 dated 10 January 2012
DATE: January 11, 2012-COUNTRY: Australia-PORT: all ports-Tropical Cyclone closes all Pilbara iron ore ports
Tropical Cyclone Heidi has intensified into a category 2 system as it tracks south-southwest towards the Pilbara coast. At 2:00pm WST, it was estimated to be 140 km north northeast of Port Hedland and 280 km northeast of Karratha and moving south southwest at 15 km per hour towards the coast.
According to the Tropical Cyclone Advice No.9issued at 2:57pm WST on today
(11 January), a Cyclone Warning is now current for coastal areas from
Sandfire Roadhouse to Dampier, including Port Hedland, Roebourne, Karratha and Dampier extending to adjacent inland parts. The Cyclone Warning from Dampier to Mardie has been cancelled.
Gales with gusts to 100 km per hour are expected in coastal areas east of
Whim Creek this afternoon and evening. Destructive winds with gusts to 155
km per hour are possible overnight close to the cyclone centre between Whim
Creek and Pardoo, including Port Hedland. Gales with gusts to 100 km per
hour may extend west to Dampier overnight if the cyclone takes a more
southwest track, and in the adjacent parts of the central Pilbara. The heaviest rainfall are expected to the east and south of the system.
Rainfall totals of 100-250mm are possible across the central and eastern
Pilbara.
PORT HEDLAND
Port and anchorage closed to inbound traffic at 1600 on 10 January, with
all berths vacated on the evening.
PORT WALCOTT
Port Walcott authorities have advised as follows:
“Due to the latest Tropical advice indicating the low pressure system has
now been upgraded (cyclone warning current from Wallal to Dampier – Blue
Alert – Pardoo, Whim Creek, Port Hedland, South Hedland) and the
possibility of the low may develop into a Tropical Cyclone on Wednesday
morning, all ships at anchorage have been advised to sail to sea, and all
vessels alongside will be sailing this evening (last vessel scheduled to
sail 2235hrs).
Decision and confirmation of official Port Closure and Anchorage Closure to
be advised.”
DAMPIER
Dampier Port Authority has advised the following:
“The Port of Dampier will be closed from 1800 hours tonight Wednesday 11th
January 2012 until further notice.
Conditions will be monitored throughout the night and Dampier Port
Communications will maintain a watch on VHF Channels 11 and 16.
Conditions and forecasts will be examined on Thursday morning with a view
to opening the port again at the first opportunity once conditions are
safe.
After the port reopens some facilities may remain closed until individual
environmental conditions are met.
An update will be issued at 0800/12th tomorrow morning.”
For information about operations in Australia contact GAC Australia at
shipping.australia@gac.com
