Operations on hold at city ports

CHENNAI: The Chennai and Ennore ports have been put on high alert in view of cyclone ‘Thane’. As a precautionary measure, vessels anchored at the Chennai Port were moved out from different wharfs to the outer anchorage.As storm warning Flag Signal Number 9, which indicates ‘great danger’, has been hoisted at both ports, all operations have come to a complete standstill since Wednesday night. Flag Signal 9 indicates that the ports will experience gusty winds coupled with torrential rains due to the cyclone.While there were no vessels at anchorage at Ennore Port, nearly 20 vessels were moved out of Chennai Port’s various berths. Cargo vessels approaching Chennai Port and Ennore Port have been advised to take wind movement into account while inching closer to the port’s perimeter.