Incident Update - 14 April 2022

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 complicated clean-up operation, including the wreck removal of the York Cove and Campbell Cove tugs from the Mersey River in Devonport by United Salvage, continued this week.

• Specifically, the Campbell Cove’s gangway and mast were removed, and the trenching and dredging of the chain paths for the same wreck were completed.

• At the time of writing, rigging and lifting equipment was scheduled to arrive in Devonport from Port Kembla today (14 April).

• In the week ahead, the remaining fenders on the Campbell Cove will be removed.

• Also, a 60 tonne and 100 tonne crane will be on site at the weekend to put in place the lifting chains, and the York Cove will be prepared for fitting chain slings.

• A second wharf fender (steel beam) will be removed (if time permits) when the crane is on site. The beam does not hinder divers’ movements and does not affect the laying out of chains.

• Finally, the cradle design for the receiving barge has been approved. As previously advised, when the tugs are ultimately lifted from the water they will be lowered into this specially designed cradle on the barge.

• United Salvage has advised that the project is progressing well against the original timeline.

• For all enquiries related to this incident, please contact DevonportWest@tasports.com.au