Incident Summary:
On Friday 28 January 2022, cement carrier Goliath collided with two berthed TasPorts’ tugs at the Port of Devonport (York Cove and Campbell Cove). The impact of the collision caused significant damage to the tugs, ultimately causing both to sink.
TasPorts quickly deployed oil spill response equipment and activated its crisis response teams. TasPorts has actively monitored the incident site 24 hours a day, 7 days a week since the collision, with a focus on ensuring the integrity of the oil spill containment area and the salvage of hydrocarbons from the wrecks. These activities continue to be supported by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).
TasPorts is continuing to assess the status of the incident site, to determine any changes to restrictions as early as practicable.
Updates:
- The 60-metre-long lifting barge St Vincent, which remains in Brisbane, has not been able to leave the Queensland port – first because of adverse weather conditions and swell and then because the barge’s owners were awaiting Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) approval before making the trip to Devonport.
- TasPorts has been advised by United Salvage – the salvage company appointed to lift the tugs from the bottom of the Mersey River – that the barge’s owners (Foreshore Marine) have been issued with the temporary operations permit for passage to Devonport.
- In addition, before departing, due to the size of the lifts, there is a requirement for the crane to be tested. Foreshore Marine is undertaking this work.
- United Salvage and representatives from Shipowners (P & I insurer) are on site in Brisbane to oversee the works to ready the St Vincent for her trip to Tasmania, and to ensure all certification works are completed before it departs. In addition, TasPorts’ marine team members are on site to provide support.
- A departure date for the St Vincent is still to be determined. Once confirmed, this will be communicated as soon as practical.
- In the meantime, arrangements for shipping at the Port of Devonport remain unchanged – agents can submit booking requests through the normal channel.
- Also, Tasports’ commercial team is continuing to directly engage with customers to facilitate ship visits to the Port of Devonport for important commodities like gas, caustic soda, fuel and grain.
- For all enquiries related to this incident, please contact DevonportWest@tasports.com.au