Cyclones Lincoln and Eleanor Disrupt Shipping Operations: A Maritime Update

Cyclones Lincoln and Eleanor have been impacting shipping vessels and disrupting operations across affected regions. Here’s what we know so far!

Cyclone Lincoln

Update

• Cyclone Lincoln is redeveloping into a Category 2 cyclone.
• Expected to turn towards the south on Friday, Feb 23, approaching the west Pilbara coast.
• Anticipated to make landfall as a Category 2 tropical cyclone, with a risk of further strengthening to severe tropical cyclone status.

Projected Path

• Landfall is expected either late Friday or during Saturday.
• Likely to cross the far west Pilbara or upper Gascoyne coast.
• Possibility of landfall near Carnarvon.

Impact on Shipping Vessels

• Pilbara Ports actively clearing all vessels and port anchorages.
• Ports of Dampier, Ashburton, Varanus Island, and Cape Preston West being cleared.
• Pilbara Ports are liaising with the Bureau of Meteorology to monitor weather conditions.
• The cyclone is causing mild disruptions for vessels heading towards the Cape of Good Hope, while the Panama Canal is experiencing drought-related challenges, and the Suez Canal remains a conflict zone.

Rough Seas Warning

• Cyclone expected to cause very rough seas.
• Vessels advised to exercise extreme caution and consider altering routes.
• Safety of crew and cargo is a top priority.

At-Risk Locations

• ASHBURTON
• NINGALOO VISION
• WOOLLYBUTT (OIL FACILITY)
• CORAL BAY
• AIRLIE TERMINAL
• VAN GOGH TERMINAL
• THEVENARD ISLAND
• CAPE CUVIER
• PORT HEDLAND
• DAMPIER
• ONSLOW
• CAPE PRESTON
• WITHNELL BAY
• NGANHURRA

At-Risk Locodes

• AUASB
• AUNIV
• AUWBT
• AUCRL
• AUAIR
• AUVGH  
• AUCTH
• AUCCU
• AUPHE
• AUDAM  
• AUONS
• AUCPN
• AUWNB
• AUNGH

Cyclone Eleanor

Update

• Statement issued by the Mauritius Meteorological Services at 16:10 LT on Thursday, Feb 22, 2024.
• Eleanor is centered approximately 130 km, almost to the southeast of Blue Bay.
• Coordinates: Latitude 21.4 degrees South, Longitude 58.4 degrees East.

Cyclone's Proximity

• Eleanor passed about 65 km off Belle Mare at its closest distance around 12:30 hours.
• High sea conditions reported, with swells reaching 6 to 8 meters beyond the reefs.
  

Port Closure and Safety Measures

• The port remains closed as of the latest update. Terminal and Depot closed until further notice.
• Safety protocol in place: All vessels instructed to vacate berth promptly, and terminals to secure all equipment.

Anticipated Impact on Vessel Operations

• High swell conditions expected after the cyclone's passage.
• Anticipated impact on vessel operation activities/berth lineup for 5 to 6 days, as per Maersk advisory.
• Maersk also foresees a waiting time of 8 to 10 days and a terminal recovery period of 2 weeks.

At-Risk Locations

•   TAMARIN
•   PORT LOUIS
•   REUNION
•   SAINTE-SUZANNE
•   POSSESSION
•   SAINT-DENIS DE LA REUNION APT
•   LE PORT
•   SAINT-PAUL
•   ALBION
•   SAINTE-ROSE
  

At-Risk Locodes

•   MUTAM
•   MUPLU
•   REREU
•   RESSZ
•   REPOS
•   RERUN
•   RELPT
•   RESPL
•   MUABN
•   RERSE

*at-risk locations identified employing a threshold of approximately 400 nautical miles.‍

Stay tuned for further updates as we track the developments of Cyclones Lincoln and Eleanor and their impact on shipping operations. 

Feel free to contact us for any inquiries, updates, or assistance related to the status of your shipments impacted by the cyclones.

Follow our Red Sea Crisis Bulletin to get all the latest updates on the vessels impacted by the Red Sea attack crisis.