Cyclone Fina Threatens Darwin: Fuel Tanker Races to Unload, Port Closes, Livestock Exports Disrupted

Darwin Races Against Cyclone Fina: Fuel Unload & Port Closure Amid Looming Storm

Darwin, Northern Territory is in a frantic race against time as Tropical Cyclone Fina bears down on the region, prompting urgent measures to secure vital supplies and safeguard infrastructure. With the storm approaching, Darwin Port has become the focal point of intense activity.

Critical Fuel Supply Fast-Tracked

According to Darwin Port chief executive Peter Dummett, the Northern Territory faced a precarious situation with only a four to five-day supply of diesel fuel. In response, a fuel tanker, the Ardmore Seawolf, was fast-tracked to the port. Originally scheduled for Sunday, the vessel's arrival was expedited to offload as much diesel as possible before the port's impending closure. “We contacted the agents and sped the ship up to get it into Darwin and get as much fuel off as we can,” Mr. Dummett stated, highlighting the critical importance of replenishing reserves.

Mr. Dummett confirmed that the port was slated to shut down by 9 pm on Friday evening, with the Ardmore Seawolf being the last vessel to depart. The primary objective is to clear the harbor of all ships to prevent damage to vessels, infrastructure, and ensure the safety of crews as Cyclone Fina draws closer.

Shipping and Travel Disruptions

The approaching cyclone has caused significant disruptions to maritime travel. A cruise ship, initially bound for Darwin this weekend, has been rerouted to Dili in Timor-Leste. Furthermore, the Ganado Express, a live cattle ship scheduled to dock on Saturday for an Indonesia-bound shipment, will now remain in the Timor Sea until the cyclone passes. Its loading operation is rescheduled for Wednesday of the following week, demonstrating the ripple effect of the weather event on international trade.

Livestock Industry Mobilizes Amidst Flood Threat

The live cattle export industry in the Top End is also scrambling, with exporters rushing to move thousands of cattle off flood plains. Patrick Underwood, a cattle exporter, emphasized the urgency, with the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting potential rainfall exceeding 300 millimetres. The priority is to relocate livestock to accessible areas before roads become impassable.

Mr. Underwood recounted the massive logistical effort, including moving 6,000 head of cattle off Litchfield Station. “There's a little window here to get these cattle out, or they might be behind water or broken roads for a couple of weeks, so we're in a bit of a hurry,” he explained. Last night, approximately 1,000 cattle were moved, followed by another 3,200 today, transported by 13 triple road-trains before lunch and an additional five in the afternoon. Despite the challenges, Mr. Underwood expressed confidence in the export yards' preparedness, assuring that the cattle would be well cared for.

Cyclone Fina's Trajectory

The latest tracking map from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) indicates that Tropical Cyclone Fina is expected to make landfall near Minjilang. Its projected path will then take it between the Tiwi Islands and Darwin, placing the region on high alert for severe weather conditions.