APM Terminals Pipavav (Gujarat Pipavav Port) has resumed container handling operations with Transworld Group’s- SSL Brahmaputra following the cyclone ‘Tauktae’ in May 2021.
In a statement, APM Terminals said the power and communication network were severely impacted when the cyclone hit the Port on May 18.
To ensure that all customers were not impacted, the Port immediately arranged for alternative power source to commence operations.
The terminal operator said its “relentless efforts” by teams on ground and remotely resulted in setting up a mobile power source while taking “utmost precautions in terms of safety of people and equipment”.
On landside operations, the terminal operator said rail operations resumed from 22 May 2021. Partial non-container operations resumed with effect from 26 May and dry cargo vessels did so from 29 May onwards.
The gate operations for export and import dry containers also resumed in a controlled manner while live reefer transportation is permitted without any restrictions.
Although operations have resumed, the Port is still not on the public utility power grid (GETCO) and is expected to recover steadily over the coming weeks. Repairs are being done in anticipation of the monsoon season and complete port recovery will take up to three months.
Jakob Friis Sorenson, MD, APM Terminals Pipavav said, “We are pleased to resume our marine operations from today with the berthing of SSL Brahmaputra.
“We are committed to delivering quality service to our customers and even through such unprecedented challenges, we are making every possible effort to ensure that our customers have least impact on their operations.
“Our proactive preparations ensured that we had minimal impact and all our employees remained safe during and after the cyclone.
“We are grateful to our customers and stakeholders for their continued cooperation and patience. We are geared up to welcome vessels, trains and trucks at our port with full enthusiasm.”
