6 On 31 May, while loading the M/V Opera White for a Japanese customer, a vessel passed by the MW8 berth at high speed (6.5 knots), creating a surge that pushed M/V Opera White towards the MW7 berth. This movement caused the ship’s open hatch covers to strike the ship loader boom, resulting in severe structural damage to the loader. As a result, the loading of M/V Opera White was halted due to safety concerns, and the vessel departed with only 80% of its intended cargo. With the damaged loader, all production was suspended on 20 June once the storage shed reached maximum capacity. During this downtime, mill management took the opportunity to complete outstanding maintenance projects. After extensive repairs by Transnet and their contractor, the loader was fully operational as of 3 October, 2024. Since then, two vessels have been successfully loaded: 1. 3 October - Hokuetsu Ibis V88- 41,123 GMT 2. 24 October - Southern Treasure V29 41,116 GMT The loader has performed well with only minor maintenance needed. Transnet has also implemented new safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future: 1. Ship loading contractors (Transnet Agriport) will now be notified by TPT to lift the boom 30 minutes before a vessel passes. 2. Speed limits for passing vessels and tugs have been reduced. These measures aim to enhance operational safety and prevent further disruptions. (Lenny Naidoo- Mill Manager (DWC))
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