Transport Ministry inspects port infrastructure safety after NTT earthquake

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Transportation is continuing to inspect port infrastructure in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) following an earthquake to ensure the safety of service users and personnel as well as maintain smooth sea transport operations.

“We continue to monitor and inspect port facilities affected by the earthquake,” said Director General of Sea Transportation at the Ministry of Transportation Muhammad Masyhud in a confirmed statement in Jakarta on Sunday.

The measure is being taken to ensure the safety of service users, personnel, and the smooth operation of ports following the earthquake that occurred on Saturday morning (15/8).

He expressed his deepest condolences over the earthquake disaster that struck East Nusa Tenggara. He assured that safety is the top priority in handling port conditions after the earthquake.

Masyhud instructed all technical implementation units (UPT) in the affected areas to increase monitoring as well as inspect and secure port facilities that have the potential to suffer further damage.

“We have instructed all affected UPTs to increase monitoring for at least 24–48 hours,” he said.

He instructed his staff in the affected areas to inspect the structure of docks, trestles, aprons, fenders, bollards, passenger terminals, electrical/fuel facilities, loading and unloading equipment, shipping lanes, and access to ports.