Valparaiso is safe and sound

 From Sunday February 28, 2010 at noon, Terminal Pacifico Sur Valparaiso (TPS) resumed its commercial operations for passenger and cargo vessels, after the service interruption as consequence of the earthquake that affected Central and Southern Chile. TPS’s main quay front, made up of berths 1, 2 and 3, is fully operating. At the same time, operations in berths 4 and 5 remain suspended for security reasons, pending a structural evaluation.

The Logistic Support Extension Zone (ZEAL) and southern access to the port did not suffer damage and they are operating normally, as is TPS’s equipment and IT systems. Reception and freight forwarding services resumed on Saturday February 27th 2010 at 3:30 pm.

TPS restarted its service, attending two vessels whose operations had been suspended since early morning on February 27 2010 after the earthquake had happened, in order to assess possible damages and security conditions to continue working. That same day, it was not possible to carry out commercial operations, due to tidal fluctuations. On Saturday and as an exception, TPS handled the LST ‘Valdivia’ – a Navy rescue vessel –, which was loading relief supplies for the Southern zone of the country - the most affected by the catastrophe.

As ports in Southern and Central Chile have been affected TPS expects an increase in the use of its facilities. As a result, the company, along with the Port Authority and Customs, are considering approving an increase of the terminal support areas in preparation for a potential and unpredicted growth in import and export cargo flows.

Although no TPS employees were injured TPS is checking the family situation of each one of its workers, in order to provide assistance if necessary.

Meanwhile CM has learnt that the epicentre of the earthquake was in the south of Chile – Region VIII where the Tsunami struck the coast causing massive destruction with more than 700 deaths reported at the current time.

Infrastructure damage (highways, buildings, ports and airports) was mainly concentrated in the area between regions VI – IX.

Although it has not yet been possible to obtain an accurate report of the extent of the damage to ports in these regions as communications are still very limited, CM understands that the Ports of Lirquèn, San Vicente, Talcahuano and Coronel which are located close to the epicentre are closed and apparently the Port of San Antonio is currently assessing damages and is closed until further notice.

 
(Source: Container Management)