Incident Update - 22 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:

• Preparation of the York Cove and Campbell Cove tug wrecks for the lift to remove them from the Mersey River is progressing well against the original planned schedule.
• Since the last update, the rear fenders from the Campbell Cove have been removed and lifted onto the wharf, while the wharf fender has also been removed from the seabed.
• Four chain slings have been secured in position for the Campbell Cove in preparation for the lift.
• Two chain slings have been secured in position for the York Cove (the remaining two slings are planned to be in position next week).
• The mast of the York Cove was cut off and secured ready for lifting onto the wharf next week.
• Also planned for next week, the forward and rear fenders of the York Cove will be removed to lighten the tug for the lift.
• TasPorts’ contractor United Salvage has advised that the workforce of the company engaged to build the cradles to support the wrecks on the salvage barge has been severely impacted by Covid, delaying the fabrication works. Recent wet weather has also impacted the timing of the work.
• As a result the specialist salvage barges, the 55-metre-long receiving barge, the Intan, and the 60-metre-long crane barge St Vincent, with a lifting capacity of up to 700 tonnes, are now not expected to depart mainland Australia for Tasmania until the end of April.
• TasPorts is engaging directly with its customers regarding ship visits to Devonport prior to the arrival of the barges and the start of the lift operation.
• For all enquiries related to this incident, please contact DevonportWest@tasports.com.au