Incident Update - 29 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 preparatory work to lift the York Cove and Campbell Cove tug wrecks from the Mersey River sea floor has largely been completed.
• Most recently, the final two chain slings for the York Cove have been secured, and the tug’s mast has been lifted onto the wharf for cutting up. The trenching and dredging of the chain paths for the York Cove has also been completed.
• The salvage company, United Salvage, has advised TasPorts that it will stand down its dive team and members of the salvage crew until the salvage barges arrive at Devonport.
• The arrival date of the barges, the 55-metre-long receiving barge, the Intan, and the 60-metre-long crane barge St Vincent, is yet to be determined.
• Severe wet weather and flooding in NSW is expected to impact the fabrication of the cradles that will support the wrecks on the salvage barge.
• United Salvage is waiting on this schedule to be finalised which will in turn determine the departure dates of the Intan and the St Vincent.
• In the meantime, TasPorts will facilitate a visit to the Port of the Devonport of the Fairchem Sword on Sunday 1 May. The vessel will be carrying caustic soda.
• TasPorts is continuing to engage directly with other customers regarding other ship visits to the port 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