Tropical Cyclone Alfred is forecast to make landfall along the south-east Queensland coastline later this week, bringing significant weather disruptions. Australia’s container terminal operator Patrick Terminals is implementing operational changes to its Brisbane terminal.

To remind, Patrick’s network of terminals includes Brisbane Autostrad, Sydney Autostrad, Melbourne and Fremantle.

Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology said yesterday that the cyclone is located 500km east north-east of Brisbane and 480km east of Maroochydore. It is currently moving south-east but is expected to slow and turn west towards the Queensland coast from Tuesday onwards.

Maritime safety Queensland (MSQ) has suspended inbound vessel arrival to the port of Brisbane due to heavy swells, Patrick Terminals said, with further restrictions anticipated.

Regarding Brisbane AutoStrad, the container terminal operator reported that imports are operating as normal on March 3, day and evening shifts, and on March 4, day shift only.

Furthermore, import collection will cease after the completion of the day shift on March 4. “We have strongly advised industry to collect available imports during these shifts,” Patrick Terminals said. 

The terminal operator -which is monitoring the situation and will provide updates as conditions evolve -added that as far as exports “cargo receivals are suspended until further notice.”