Further to our Alert on the 5th August regarding the explosion that took place at the port of Beirut last week, the port has been placed under the control of the Lebanese Army with no civilians allowed in.
Rescue operations began last week and the search for victims remains ongoing while the extent of the damage caused to the port’s infrastructure is being assessed.
Rescue teams from around the world have also arrived to the Lebanese capital to assist with the rescue operations, whilst the death toll has risen to more than 200 and some 6,000 have been said to be wounded.
While most of the port area has been substantially damaged as a result of the explosion, the container terminal remained largely unaffected with its cranes still operational. Consequently, containerships were able to berth at the container terminal and discharge their cargo during the past few days.
Nevertheless, a number of liners still prefer to divert their vessels to Tripoli instead, especially considering that the premises of the customs and the port authorities have been fully demolished in the port of Beirut which can render the cargo operations problematic.
Arrangements are also being made for the vessels that were at the port of Beirut at the time of explosion with cargo on board and which have sustained damages as a result of the blast, to try and discharge their cargo at the unaffected quays.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Our Lebanon office is operating normally and the contact details are:
Country Manager: Stefanel Whaiby
Tel: +961 (1) 495620
E-mail : emco.lb@emco.org