Trailers loaded with cargo that exceed a total height of 5m, will not be allowed to exit Mina Zayed without prior official approval from local government authorities. Customers are therefore requested to ensure that all relevant approvals and paperwork is completed prior to requesting clearance and or loading at the terminal, this applies to all over height shipments that exceed 5m. The port hopes that this will ensure that cargo is not delayed exiting the gate, and the unnecessary doubling handling of cargo.

Figures show that in 2010 exports levels increased by 18% compared to 2009. Only New York, California and Texas are higher. Florida consistently has maintained a top 10 ranking during the past few years and has remained among the top five since 2008. With the expansion of the Panama Canal and increased trade opportunities in Central and South America the port is optimistic it will further increase export levels.

In January, Klaipeda Port handled 3.18 million tonnes of cargo, an increase of 23.1% compared to the same month in 2010. Cargo volumes increased in all cargo groups – general cargo saw an increase of 38.3%, dry and bulk cargo an increase of 59.8% while liquefied cargo increased by 12.5%. Overall cargo throughput at the ports of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia came to a total of 11.143 thousand tonnes, with Klaip?da Port having a share of 28.54% of the total.

Carlos is currently 100km north-west of Broome, moving in a west-southwest direction at a speed of 20km per hour. It is expected to impact the Pilbara coast from early Tuesday morning, bringing heavy rain and strong winds. Despite ongoing challenges, operations have been maintained at all 14 mines across the region. Dampier and Port Walcott (Cape Lambert) operations have continued intermittently since 14 February 2011, with frequent interruptions from the excessive rainfall, swells and winds. The reformed tropical cyclone Carlos required the tie-down of all port operations from later today. The conditions led to a partial derailment late on 17 February, when a loaded train damaged a single-line section of track 35km south of Dampier. This has prevented trains from entering Dampier, and is not expected to be fully repaired until later this week.

Train movements to Port Walcott (carrying all Robe Valley and Yandicoogina products) have remained unaffected from the derailment, but are now also suspended as part of the tie-down in advance of Carlos. Rio Tinto iron ore will review the impact on stock levels and shipping schedules as a result of the conditions. As is normal practice, where appropriate, scheduled maintenance projects have been brought forward to facilitate a quick return to normal rail and shipping operations when conditions allow.