ISS report only two ports in New Zealand issue damage notifications after recent earthquake

Global maritime and logistics service provider Inchcape Shipping Services (ISS) has said that only the ports of Wellington and Picton in New Zealand have issued damage notifications after the country was hit by a 7.5 magnitude earthquake yesterday.

The notifications, issued by the Wellington authorities, include an advisory note that stated that both the port and wharf gates would remain closed for the next seven days. No ship or cargo operations will be permitted during those days.

Upon the completion of clearance work in some sections, selective operations could be allowed to resume during this period.

The port of Wellington has witnessed gantry crane issues, wharf subsidence and log pile collapses after the earthquake.

In addition, all Cook Strait cargo and pax ferries were anchored, as terminals at Wellington and Picton experienced substantial damage.

The inter-island ferry terminal as well as the forestry and cruise berth at Shakespeare Bay were also reported to be damaged by the earthquake.

Currently, engineering assessments are on-going for the damages.

Lyttelton / Christchurch port, which was reopened today, reported no structural damage. Railway and road communications to the port have been declared safe and are operative.

ISS further noted that several aftershocks were affecting the upper South Island and Wellington region of the country, with some over a magnitude of six.

A tsunami warning was however withdrawn early this morning.

The earthquake that struck New Zealand’s upper South Island killed two people, reported the BBC.