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Bulk carrier destroyed wharf
The 'Anikitos' allided with the loading wharf of the mining company South32 at Alyangula, Groote Eylandt, Milner Bay, loaded with 41,140 metric tonnes of manganese ore, when the Cyclone Megan hit the region on March 16, 2024, with 100 kph winds and four meter high swell. The wharf has sustained severe damage and partially collapsed into the sea. The ship remained alongside for the time being. It also had 1,070 tonnes of low sulphur fuel and 109 tonnes of diesel on board. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) had completed oil spill trajectory models and provided the results to the state government. The owners and insurers of the vessel were corresponding with tug providers to arrange tugs to assist the vessel with shifting from its current location alongside the wharf to a safe anchorage. South32 has temporarily suspended operations on Groote Eylandt. Initial inspections indicated that there was structural damage to the wharf. The full impact of the damage and subsequent disruption to production and sales values will be assessed when access to the port and other infrastructure have been restored. The company would return to safe operations as soon as possible. The former cyclone has been downgraded to a tropical low following its coastal crossing overnight, but was being forecast to bring heavy rainfall and possible flooding to parts of the NT throughout the week. The NT's Department of Environment was monitoring the situation with the bulk carrier being stable in location. There was no leak of fuels or oils at this time. The master was working to resolve the situation to move the ship away from the damaged wharf as soon as practicable. The Territory government was planning a response should there be a leak, working with the AMSA and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for support if required. Reports with photos: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-03-19/bulk-carrier-crashes-into-south32-manganese-wharf-groote-eylandt/103604700 https://maritime-executive.com/article/cyclone-drives-bulker-into-wharf-suspending-large-manganese-mine-operations
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