Asia/Pacific News
ISS Advises of New Zealand Port Interruptions Following Earthquake
Inchcape Shipping Services (ISS) Monday issued an advisory of a number of port and infrastructure interruptions at the ports of Wellington and Picton following a 7.5 magnitude earthquake, which struck the upper South Island of New Zealand at midnight local time on November 14.
"Aftershocks are continuing in the upper South Island and Wellington region, some over a magnitude of 6. A tsunami warning was withdrawn early this morning, with unusual tidal surges and currents continuing throughout the day," explained ISS.
"ISS was involved in the evacuation of a number of ships to sea overnight after a tsunami warning was issued. These vessels have now returned back into the ports."
The ports of Wellington and Picton are both said to have issued damage notifications, with Wellington authorities confirming that port and wharf gates will remain closed over the next seven days.
"No ship or cargo operations will be permitted. As and when certain sections are cleared by engineers selective operations may be allowed to recommence during this period," said ISS.
Wellington is noted to have gantry crane issues, wharf subsidence, and log pile collapses, while Cook Strait ro-pax ferries are currently at anchor amid reports of damage to wharves and the inter-island ferry terminal.
Engineering assessments are said to be currently underway.
