Mining conveyor belts and loading equipment have been set on fire, a seaport was shut because of riots, ship operations were suspended, the army was called in to secure the port, and the airport has been shut, in the Pacific islands of New Caledonia.
Civil unrest ignited over proposed voting reforms; it is understood that unrest broke out following moves in the French legislature to change voter lists in New Caledonia, which is an overseas territory of France.
Widespread looting, arson, damage to houses and public property has taken place since at least mid-may. The authorities have responded with a curfew, which runs from 6pm to 6am, the declaration of a State of Emergency, and the deployment of the army.
The La Tontouta International Airport was closed to commercial flights from 13 May, although as of Wed 5 June a limited number of flights took place to destinations around the region, including to Brisbane. Seaport operations at the Port of Noumea were suspended in mid-May and many dock workers were confined at home because of the generally insecure situation prevented the from accessing the port. Cargo vessels were therefore unable to load and discharge and vessels were anchored offshore. Vessels in the north were generally unaffected, according to P&I sources.
Mining operations had to shut down owing to insecurity and, by late May, loading equipment was being set on fire. This was shortly followed on 21 May by the army securing the Port of Noumea which allowed for the unloading of two container ships, although inland carriage of the container did not occur. Loading operations for bulk vessels were suspended. Ships also began to run low on food supplies because they could not get food from ashore. At least one vessel has sailed without completing its loading and another vessel (in the south) may be sent to a port in another country to re-supply with food and fuel.
The army continued to secure the situation and, by late May, pharmacies and supermarkets were able to re-stock somewhat. However, P&I Correspondents report that a “severe food shortage” is affecting the local population, particularly because the stevedoring companies are composed of people connected to the rioters.
Meanwhile, nickel ore loading terminals around the country are inactive; other loading sites around the country lack facilities and so areas with a difficult access cannot be secured and loading operations by means of tugboats and barges to bulkers anchored offshore are not occurring. One vessel was permitted to leave Noumea (despite the port being shut down) for a quick round-trip to Nepoui the successful loading, transport, and unloading of 19,000 tonnes of nickel ore. Without that ore, the Doniambo nickel plant in Noumea could incur irreversible damage; it is understood that the loading has been successful.
It is understood that the capital, Noumea, has been brought under control and the State of Emergency has been lifted although illegal roadblocks may remain across the country.
