Tugs Help Refloat Grounded Bulk Carrier in Queensland, Australia

A fleet of Boluda Towage Australia tugs has helped refloat the grounded bulk carrier Cape Falcon off Queensland, Australia, as authorities begin an investigation into the accident. The 2022-built Liberia-flagged ship grounded around six nautical miles outside the Port of Gladstone as it headed to an anchorage for bunkering. It was refloated on a high tide six days after grounding, with the tugs moving the vessel sideways to ease it from the seabed.

 

Details of the Refloating

 

A grounded bulk carrier has been refloated. It is the Cape Falcon. A fleet of tugs assisted. These were Boluda Towage Australia tugs. The refloating was successful.

The vessel had run aground earlier. It grounded off Queensland, Australia. This was near the Port of Gladstone. It occurred about six nautical miles out. It was heading to an anchorage.

 

The Grounding

 

The vessel grounded during a routine voyage. It was heading for bunkering. This was at an anchorage point. It grounded before reaching it. It also did not reach the port.

The vessel has a defined profile. It is a 2022-built ship. It is Liberia-flagged. It is owned by a Japanese company. It measures 292 metres in length.

 

The Refloating Operation

 

The operation faced initial difficulties. Previous attempts had failed. This was due to the rigidity of the grounding. The vessel was firmly in the seabed. This complicated the refloating.

The vessel was finally refloated. This occurred on 24 September. It was six days after grounding. Tugs moved the vessel sideways. A high tide then enabled the tow to safety.

 

Read More: https://oceaneconomist.com/articles/slpe-enbw-dreekant-foundation-engineering

 

The Investigation

 

Authorities have begun an investigation. The transport safety bureau is leading it. It concerns the grounding. It uses the ship's voyage data recorder. Weather and sea reports also feature.

The vessel faces further checks. The maritime safety authority has held it. This is for a seaworthiness inspection. It must pass before leaving. This precedes its departure from Australia.

 

Significance of the Incident

 

The incident occurred at a major port. Gladstone is on Australia's east coast. It is a major export port. It handles coal and minerals. LNG exports also feature.

The refloating demonstrates tug capability. The tugs handled a difficult operation. They eased the firmly grounded vessel. This enabled its recovery. The investigation will determine the cause.