Australia’s commodity export facilities appears to have escaped the worst of tropical cyclone Iris as it skirts the Queensland coastline.
The category 2 cyclone was recorded as having sustained winds near the centre of 100 km per hour, with wind gusts to 140 km per hour.
“At this stage, the cyclone is not expected to cross the Queensland coast but may approach the coast close enough to produce significant impacts,” said GAC Australia.
Mackay and Hay Point Pilotage Areas were reportedly set to be closed around lunchtime on Wednesday by the Regional Harbour Master.
“ Hay Point VTS will allocate departure time to each ship to ensure all ships have departed in an orderly manner by 1200 hours Wednesday,” said GAC Australia.
“No ship movement will be allowed after the closure. Ships returning to Hay Point anchorage after the re-opening of the pilotage area will be allocated the same anchorage positions before the closure.”
GAC Australia said all movements at Hay Point have been suspended until further notice and that no vessels are alongside.
“The terminal has suspended all cargo train movements until further notice. Coal will remain at the various coal mines stockpiles until further notice,” it added.
Similar closures have been reported at the pilotage areas of Abbot Point and Bowen as well as Dalrymple Bay and Gladstone, with vessels advised to depart the anchorages.
Those vessels that do remain alongside at Gladstone have been advised to secure hatches and run additional mooring lines.
