A shiploader at the Port of Burnie has been damaged after coming into contact with a bulk carrier, forcing the equipment out of service at one of Tasmania’s busiest export terminals.
The incident happened on Thursday evening at the Burnie chip export terminal, as the shiploader was being set up to load the MV Canada Express.
TasPorts said that no one was injured and the ship sustained only “minor superficial damage”.
The port operator said the site was secured immediately and the shiploader isolated.
A daylight inspection on Friday confirmed damage to the shiploader, TasPorts said.
An engineering assessment is now underway to determine the extent of the damage and the next steps.
TasPorts interim chief executive Allan Gray said the response had focused on making the site safe and that the cause was under investigation.
“Our team responded quickly to make the site safe, and this is reflected in the fact that no one was hurt and the vessel was not damaged,” Gray said.
“We are working closely with our customer and shipping partners to understand the impact and to support the rearrangement of shipping movements where we can.”
“It is too early to say how long the shiploader will be out of service.”
