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:
- TasPorts’ insurer and salvage company are continuing to work on the St Vincent barge solution (the barge remains in Brisbane) to lift the wrecked tugs from the Mersey River.
- Unfortunately, the current weather pattern on Australia’s east coast points to a further delay of the barge’s departure from Brisbane for its trip to Devonport.
- TasPorts, its insurer and the salvor have been actively engaging for some time on developing contingency plans if a lift using the St Vincent is ultimately not possible.
- It has commenced operational planning for one of these contingency plans given the expected further delay for the St Vincent’s trip to Devonport.
- In the meantime, TasPorts continues to prioritise commercial ship visits to the Port of Devonport.
- TasPorts held a planning workshop this week with Viva Energy to specifically look at what options might be available regarding visits to the Port of Devonport by larger fuel ships.
- As previously noted, the Harbour Master implemented strict restrictions on large commercial vessel access to Devonport 4 West and 5 West berths to minimise propulsion impact on the wreck site and containment area.
- In addition, TasPorts’ commercial team is directly engaging with customers to facilitate ship visits to bring other commodities into the port.
- TasPorts has facilitated multiple ship visits to the port since the Goliath incident.
- For all enquiries related to this incident, please contact DevonportWest@tasports.com.au