Port probing, assessing damage to bulk handling facility

Barbados Port Inc., (BPI) is investigating the circumstances surrounding events which resulted in damage to its Bulk Handling Facility at the Port of Bridgetown.

Chief Executive Officer David Jean-Marie said the events coincided with severe swell activity which occurred last Saturday night.

He added, “Ongoing swells today have impacted cargo operations at the Port. One vessel which had initiated discharge of cargo had to vacate its assigned berth, while the berthing of three others has been delayed.”

The BPI said its marine and operations teams are actively communicating with vessels scheduled to call at Bridgetown to advise on delays due to extreme swell conditions.

Access to the Bulk Handling Facility is currently restricted while marine technical experts conduct above-sea level and under-sea assessments at the Facility.

Jean-Marie indicated that an interim operational plan is being formulated which will allow for the discharge of grain, stones, sand and aggregates, as well as other bulk cargo at Bridgetown.

(BPI)