OREANDA-NEWS. May 21, 2013. Polar Transport Division of MMC Norilsk Nickel (PTD) is making preparations for the annual flood. This year the ice drift on the Yenisei River is expected from May 25 to June 6. As forecasted by the Polar Division Diagnostic Center, the peak of the flood can approach 17.25 m.

By May 17  water in the sea port of Dudinka is expected to rise up to 8 m.

At the first stage of the flood the work of the Dudinka port will be traditionally suspended, but all obligations to customers will be fulfilled as usual. Immediately after the Yenisei River is cleared of the ice, sea vessels with MMC Norilsk Nickel’s priority shipment cargo will be processed on the roads. When restoration of the port after the flood is completed, full-scale river navigation will open.

Currently, Kirovets port cranes and self-propelled Liebherr cranes are being lifted from the flooded area, hoisting machinery, power equipment, and other auxiliary equipment is moved out from berths. The removal of commercial cargo from loading platforms has been completed, vessels processing is carried out directly from the board to cars and automobiles. This approach will make it possible to avoid losses in case of a sudden surge of water.

"Preparation of berths for the flood and ice drift is carried out strictly on time, as scheduled," said Sergey Kryuchkov, Acting Chief Engineer of PTD.