Update: Queensland Ports Reeling from Cyclone Marcia

In the past few days, Central Queensland ports have been assessing the impact of the Category 2 Tropical Cyclone Marcia that hit Australia’s northeastern state and made landfall last Friday, GAC reports

Port Alma and Bundaberg remain on Orange Alert due to flood water and debris. The ports are open to daylight navigation only with extreme care being exercised due to debris, navigation aids out of position, grounded or foundered vessels and the possibility of siltation due to flood waters.

The Port of Gladstone re-opened to shipping movements midday on Saturday, with no significant damage to port infrastructure. Berthing prospects for coal vessels are difficult to estimate at this time, however.

As of today, the terminal is still reviewing the supply chain with damage to the rail system delivering coal to the port still being assessed. It is understood that the Blackwater Line has been fully returned to service with no speed restrictions.

The Moura Line remains closed, with aerial inspections of track having been undertaken, however on the ground inspections are being hampered because of road closures and inability to access by rail.

The mines that may be affected by this closure will be Moura, Dawson, Baralaba and Callide. The duration of this interruption is unknown at this time.

Vessels are being scheduled on a case by case basis depending on coal supply at the port.