Hamburg Sud examines port situation in Chile

HAMBURG Sud has announced that in the north of Chile the ports of Iquique, Antofagasta and Port Angamos are fully operational, in the wake of the strong 8.8-magnitude earthquake and resulting tsunamis that struck the nation at the end of February.

In Valparaiso, the container terminal used by Hamburg Sud, TPSV, has announced that it is 90 per cent operational with respect to dry and reefer cargoes. Container berths 1, 2, 3 are operational, while the older berths 4, 5 and 7 are not operating due to various structural damage, a statement issued by the carrier said.

TPSV is maintaining an emergency berthing programme, whereby it is temporarily suspending agreed berthing windows to ensure efficient port operation, allocating berths on a first come, first serve basis.

"TPSV is still servicing navy barges that carry supplies to areas affected by the earthquake and the subsequent tsunami waves in the south of Chile," Hamburg Sud said.

In San Antonio, the STI terminal that Hamburg Sud uses has officially announced that the dock structure did not suffer any serious damage that could limit normal terminal operation. On March 2, the terminal was allowed by maritime authorities to operate geared ships. However, as of the morning of March 3, STI remains without the power necessary to move ground resources such as gantry cranes, or to supply electrical power to reefer containers.

On the other hand, no official information is available yet about the physical condition of the San Vicente terminal. "However, unconfirmed reports indicate that the terminal has not sustained serious damage to the berths and that the shore cranes are still subject to a technical review. The terminal yard was flooded and may have cracks and other major surface damage," the statement said.

Likewise, there's been no official word yet about conditions at the Lirquen terminal. "First indications are that the pier and shore cranes are in generally good condition but subject to a technical review. The yard was flooded and may have cracks and other major surface damage," Hamburg Sud said.

(Source: www.schednet.com)