Discover the Msc-Susanna: Ratings & Maritime News

Efforts are underway to address the significant environmental impact of a cargo spill that occurred in Durban Harbour over three weeks ago. A specialized fleet of boats and machinery is actively working to recover the immense quantities of raw plastic pellets, known as nurdles, that have spread across the coastline. This cleanup comes in the wake of a storm on October 10, which caused two 12-meter containers from the MSC Susanna to topple into the port waters. Each of these containers carried 990 bags of polyethylene plastic pellets, weighing a total of 49 tons. In the aftermath of the spill, workers have been deployed along a 200-kilometer stretch of the KwaZulu-Natal coastline, laboriously sifting through the sand to collect the nurdles that have begun to wash ashore over the last two weeks. Although the containers were located and retrieved from the seabed, the initial leakage had already led to a significant increase in pollution along the East Coast. To manage the extensive contamination, MSC has assumed responsibility for the cleanup operations within the harbour, accelerating their efforts to mitigate environmental damage. They expressed gratitude for the prompt actions of local community members who stepped in as first responders during the initial cleanup phase. Following this, the Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (Sabic), the rightful owner of the cargo, engaged Drizit Environmental to undertake the extensive task of cleaning the affected beaches. MSC has also collaborated with Resolve Marine Group and has maintained open lines of communication with the Transnet National Ports Authority and all stakeholders involved in the cleanup operation. The situation remains under close surveillance as teams work tirelessly to restore the area's ecological balance. For further details and updates, you can view the report including photos at the provided link: https://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/shipping-company-cleaning-up-durban-cargo-spill-20171105.

In the aftermath of a powerful storm that recently swept through Durban, the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) successfully managed to extricate the container vessel "MSC Ines" from the entrance channel, with no reported oil spills. However, the ship incurred substantial rudder damage that necessitates repairs before it can continue its journey. As of October 15, "MSC Ines" was docked at the City Terminal. In a fortunate turn of events, the tanker "Bow Triumph" ran aground in the sheltered area known as Island View after being dislodged from its moorings by strong winds, landing on the soft sands of Salisbury Island. Thankfully, the vessel did not sustain any hull breaches during this incident. Additionally, "MSC Susanna" was brought to the City Terminal and secured at the T-Jetty for an underwater inspection after it broke away from its moorings and collided with other ships before tugs regained control. Post-inspection, "MSC Susanna" returned to berth 108/9, where it resumed cargo operations on October 15. The "SM New York" also encountered trouble, having broken free from its moorings and becoming stranded on a nearby sandbank. Nevertheless, the ship successfully completed its loading and departed on October 14, heading toward Port Elizabeth, where it arrived on October 15. Meanwhile, "Bow Triumph" at Island View resumed cargo work before setting sail for Fujairah. Other vessels that suffered damage include the "Maersk Vallvik," currently docked at C berth at the Ro-Ro and MPT Terminal, and the French Navy frigate "Floreal," which had to postpone its scheduled departure due to significant dents along its starboard side and minor markings on the port side. By October 13, all navigable zones of Durban Bay were declared safe, allowing shipping activities in the Port of Durban to regain momentum just three days after one of the most intense storms to impact the area brought operations to a standstill. This rapid recovery is largely credited to the impressive response from TNPA’s marine staff, including pilots and tug captains, who adeptly handled the emergency caused by the unexpectedly severe weather. The storm, which struck mid-morning, delivered fierce winds peaking at 91 knots and unleashed between 100 to 200mm of rain in less than two hours across southern Durban, affecting the port. Many quayside facilities endured damage, including the Transnet School of Excellence near Durban Container Terminal on Pier 2. Cargo handling equipment sustained significant damage, impacting operations at Durban Container Terminals Pier 1 and Pier 2, with reports of critical damage to infrastructure at the Bulk, Break-bulk, and Car Terminals. In total, eight Ship-to-Shore cranes and three rubber-tyre gantries were impacted, and numerous containers were washed away into the bay.

On October 10, 2017, a powerful storm swept through Durban, unleashing gale-force winds ranging from 70 to 90 km/h. The tempest struck around 9 a.m., leading to significant disruption in the Port of Durban. The container vessel 'SM New York' ran aground shortly after departing the port and required immediate assistance from the tugboat 'Smit Siyanda' (IMO: 9479709). Meanwhile, two other container ships, 'MSC Ines' and 'MSC Susanna', were about to set sail when they were unexpectedly blown off course by the intense gusts. In a dramatic turn of events, the 'MSC Ines' ran aground, becoming lodged perpendicular to the channel and effectively blocking access to the port. By 5 p.m., the vessel was successfully towed to the Coal Terminal, thanks to the hard work of tugs 'Lotheni' (MMSI: 601135800), 'Siyakhula' (IMO: 9501409), and 'Umbilo' (MMSI: 601124000). 'MSC Susanna' was also towed back to safety at the Ro-Ro and MPT Terminal by four tugs at 1:15 p.m. Another vessel, the tanker 'Bow Triumph', was reported aground after breaking away from its moorings, while the bulk carrier 'Maritime Newanda' (IMO: 9302798) also lost its moorings at Maydon Wharf. The ship promptly alerted the Port Authority, and rescue efforts were initiated to secure the vessel. Due to the extreme conditions, all operations at the Port of Durban were temporarily halted. The storm's impact extended to the nearby Port of Richards Bay, where Transnet’s marine services team and tugs managed multiple emergency situations. Tragically, a man lost his life when a 40-foot container was blown over, crushing his vehicle near the Durban port. A second individual, around 30 years old, sustained minor injuries and was rescued from the wreckage, while the forty-something passenger suffered critical injuries and was declared dead at the scene. The storm also toppled several heavy containers in various locations. In the small craft harbour and at the Point Yacht Club (PYC), numerous yachts and boats broke free from their moorings. The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) dispatched rescue crews to assist at PYC in securing the drifting vessels. For more detailed reports and visuals, you can visit the following links: [702.co.za](http://www.702.co.za/articles/275774/watch-cargo-ship-runs-aground-amid-durbanstorm), [News24](http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/live-massive-storm-hits-durban-causes-flooding-chaos-20171010), [Times Live](https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2017-10-10-wind-blows-ship-across-harbour-mouth-in-durban/), [Talk of the Town](https://www.talkofthetown.co.za/2017/10/10/wind-blows-ship-across-harbour-mouth-durban/).