Incident Update - 3 June 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:

• As noted in last week’s update, the 55-metre-long receiving barge, the Intan, has arrived at the Port of Devonport in preparation for the removal works of the York Cove and Campbell Cove tugs from the Mersey River.
• United Salvage – the Australian company appointed to recover the tug wrecks – has advised that the departure from Brisbane of the 60-metre-long lifting barge St Vincent has been delayed.
• United Salvage reports that the barge’s owners are in the final stages of gaining Australian Maritime Safety Authority approval for the barge’s trip to Devonport.
• Work to lift the two tugs will commence as soon as possible after the St Vincent’s arrival.
• In the meantime, TasPorts’ commercial team is directly engaging with customers to facilitate ship visits to the Port of Devonport.
• The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and TasPorts have reviewed and approved United Salvage’s Environmental Management Plan for the removal of the tugs.
• Further, a site walk through has been conducted with key stakeholders at the Port of Bell Bay, where the disposal of the tugs is planned. The walk through included a review of the proposed plan to dispose of the tugs.
• For all enquiries related to this incident, please contact DevonportWest@tasports.com.au