An incident occurred at the Burnie Chip Export Terminal on Thursday evening, when the shiploader came into contact with the bulk carrier MV Canada Express during set up for loading operations.
Posted
15 May 2026
No injuries occurred and the vessel suffered minor superficial damage. TasPorts secured the site immediately, ceased operations and isolated the shiploader.
A daylight inspection today has confirmed damage to the shiploader. An engineering assessment is underway to determine the extent of the damage and the next steps. The cause is under investigation.
Interim Chief Executive Officer Allan Gray said the safety of TasPorts' people, port infrastructure and the vessels in its care were the immediate priority overnight and remain so.
"Our team responded quickly to make the site safe, and that is reflected in the fact that no one was hurt and the vessel was not damaged," Mr Gray said.
"We are working closely with our customer and shipping partners to understand the impact and to support the rearrangement of shipping movements where we can."
"It is too early to say how long the shiploader will be out of service. We will provide further updates as the engineering assessment progresses."