Bulk Connections (BC) have declared a Force Majeure due to adverse weather conditions experienced in Durban in the past two days. BC went further to call for transporters to stop sending trucks as operations have been massive impacted.
Due to the strong winds and rainy conditions that hit Durban over the weekend through to Tuesday morning, BC was not able to operate forcing them to declare a force majeure as they cannot meet customer targets.
Declaring the force majeure, Bulk Connections Managing Director Xolani Mbulawa wrote:
We refer to our communication dated 11 April 2022, wherein we advised you of the disruptions on our operation as a result of adverse weather conditions.
The persistence of these weather conditions constitutes a force majeure event of which you were notified. The duration of the event was from 18:00 am on Monday 11 April until further notice.
During this time period, BC is unable to fulfil its entire contractual obligations to you, although all reasonable efforts will be used to minimise the effect of this force majeure event.
We record that we will not be held liable for any losses, claims, liabilities, damages, costs, or expenses whatsoever and howsoever arising due to our failure to perform or perform fully in terms of our agreement as a result of this event of Force Majeure.
Meanwhile, Bulk Connections has asked transporters not to send trucks to the Hammersdale site, Bulk Connections and the Cutler complex until the risk assessment and integrity of Bayhead road has been conducted.
A portion Bayhead road, which is used to access Bulk Connections and the Durban Container Terminals, was washed away. The risk assessment is estimated to take 1-2 days.
Transnet and Port Users were expected to convene earlier this morning to give feedback on the possible route to be used by trucks should the risk assessment fail.
BC said there are other options that have been tabled but did not give details.
Further feedback will be provided once alternative route has been agreed upon and authorised by all stakeholders.
