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There is literally a lull before the storm at most ports dotting the east coast of the country. With cyclone Phailin heading closer, Dhamra, Paradip and Gopalpur ports suspended all operations for two days. Around 10 vessels have been shifted away from the harbour, out of the channels in the high sea at the Paradip port. Similar steps have been taken by Dhamra and Gopalpur ports.
It is in fact the first step taken in the preparation of facing a “cyclone-like situation”. Since ships also run the risk of damaging the berths, all ports have moved the vessels away.
“There is a standard grounding procedure which is followed. We have taken all necessary steps to secure the port and the people,” said Santosh Mohapatra, chief executive officer, Dhamra Port Co.
Only ports like Kolkata and Vizag, which do not fall in the danger zone, are providing anchorage to “distress vessels.” The two ports have reduced the activity, but have not shut the port facilities yet and are continuing loading and unloading of cargo. The shipping activity, however, has been halted with no vessels being allowed to sail. If the weather permits, vessel movement will start by Sunday.
Visakhaptanam port is continuing its cargo-handling operations at inner harbour. It, however, suspended operations at outer harbour berths from afternoon. The wind speed at Vizag port is about 25 nautical miles per hour. If the speed increases to 40 nautical miles, handling activity will be stopped in even inner harbour also.
“We have suspended pilot boats and all vessels are under alert and preparing for the heavy weather,” said R P S Kahlon, chairman, Kolkata and Vizag Port Trust.
The private sector Gangavaram Port in Visakhapatnam, however, has cancelled all cargo-handling operations from Saturday morning. Currently, two vessels are waiting for berthing but the port can allow the ships to berth only after cyclone impacts subsides. The two-day closure is likely to impact around 100,000 tonnes of cargo at Dhamra and around 450,000 tonnes of cargo at Paradip. Cargo-handling at Kakinada port was partially affected due to the cyclone. Currently, there are three vessels on berths and officials are continuing to handle operations with additional safety and security measures. However, they are not allowing vessels to berth.
As a safety measure, all people living in the low lying areas have been moved to safe shelters. At Paradip for instance, around 3,000 people have taken refuge in the cyclone shelters at the port.
The port equipment has also been secured. For instance, all mounted and railed equipment have been locked, the boom cranes lowered, embankment around underground areas has been made, to prevent water from entering. In order to be prepared for a power outage after the cyclone has passed, all gen-sets, too, have been raised to a higher level away from water. According to the state government, Cyclone Phailin with a windspeed of 220 kmph is turning into a super cyclone and is likely to make a landfall near Gopalpur on Saturday evening.
