Cement export operations resume following collision incident

Whilst oil spill response and salvage operations continue at the Port of Devonport following an incident where the cement carrier Goliath collided with two berthed tugs on 28 January 2022, TasPorts is continuing to progressively re-instate commercial shipping activity at the port in an effort to minimise disruption to critical supply chains.

TasPorts Chief Operating Officer Stephen Casey said that another milestone was reached yesterday with the port welcoming cement carrier Kondili to Devonport 1 West Berth in support of the ongoing operations of Cement Australia.

“TasPorts is working hard to minimise disruption to customers as a result of the incident and the arrival of the Kondili is testament to this and enables the resumption of cement export from Tasmania to mainland Australia,” Mr Casey said.

“Consideration of the ongoing integrity of the floating oil spill boom continues to be vital in assessing and approving all commercial vessel movements in the river. The arrival of the Kondili was carefully assessed and planned by TasPorts and the vessel master to ensure the integrity of the boom was maintained.

“This planning ensured oil spill response activities remain undisturbed and environmental protection practices are maintained. Any breach of the boom by disruption of the water by moving vessels could significantly impact the ongoing oil spill response,” he said.

“We would also like to thank the ongoing support of Bass Strait shippers, TT-Line and SeaRoad, for their diligence and cooperation as adjustments to daily sailings have been made to ensure critical response activities have continued 24/7 over the last 10 days.

“At this point in time, commercial berths to the south of the incident site remain closed. This is being regularly reviewed by the Harbour Master as we continue to manage oil spill response and salvage activities and ensure environmental and maritime safety in the Mersey River,” Mr Casey said.

“TasPorts and the EPA are continuing to closely monitor all shipping movements in the Mersey, until the successful recovery of the two tugs from the river can be completed, at which point the containment booms can be appropriately removed.”