In its Australian ports update in view of the monsoon, ship agency GAC informed that berthing is currently suspended at Abbot Point Coal Terminal until further notice and there are no vessels alongside. There are currently 21 vessels at anchor. All employees at the terminal have been asked to stay at home by Terminal Management until further notice due to adverse weather conditions.
In the last 10 days, a big wave of heavy rainfalls has hit North Queensland with over one metre of rain falling in Townsville.
The monsoon trough extends from the Gulf Country across the base of Cape York Peninsula to the east tropical coast near Townsville, and should remain almost stationary or drift only slowly to the south over the next day or two. A deep tropical low that lies on the monsoon trough over northwest Queensland is slowly moving to the east and will continue to move in an easterly direction during the next few days.
Townsville: 5th February saw reduced rain showers compared to the last 10 days and the dam capacity has decreased to 190%. Dam gates are still open to their maximum setting. This continues to cause moderate flooding downstream at many low-lying Townsville suburbs. The monsoon trough is moving further south of Townsville towards Bowen & Mackay. Townsville Port is currently operational, all port services have returned and the minor delays at berths are being reduced.
Lucinda: The Northbound Bruce Highway from Townsville to Lucinda has been reopened but with drivers to maintain caution.
Mourilyan: Port is operational.
Cairns: No impact on the port at this time, despite heavy rain in the vicinity over the last week. Port operations continuing as per usual.
Cape Flattery: Poor weather delayed a silica sand vessel further at this remote port.
Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal: The terminal is operating as normal but is experiencing cargo arrival delays due to continuing EBA negotiations.
Hay Point Coal Terminal: The terminal is operating as normal but is experiencing cargo arrival delays due to continuing EBA negotiations.