Concern that rules were ignored with ship's docking

ALLEGATIONS have surfaced from Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) insiders and other officials regarding the recent docking of the vessel Forest 6 at Saldanha Bay Port, which has allegedly offloaded 48 isotainers (ISO Tank Containers for transporting bulk liquids) without adhering to essential safety protocols.

- AYANDA MDLULI

The incident has prompted a deeper investigation into compliance with the National Occupational Health and Safety Act by both TPT and the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), raising concerns about the safety measures in place to protect workers and the environment at the port.

According to information from some officials on the ground, who asked not to be named for fear of reprisals, the Forest 6 vessel docked at Jetty 406 and began offloading about 1700 tons of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), despite stringent objections from local safety authorities at Transnet Port Terminals (TPT).

“On June 10 at 14:50, officials at TPT expressed grave concerns regarding the risks associated with the off-loading process. Citing safety grounds, they rejected the vessel's offloading request, citing the unusual weight and the use of a crane that is not standard for the terminal environment.”

However, while this was going on, an unnamed official from “head office” intervened, overruling the local TPT safety objections and insisted that the operation continue.