A SHIP crane cable broke, hurling a 24-tonne steel coil onto the wharf at Port Kembla.
The incident occurred on 1 February as the vessel Pan Ivy was unloading at the NSW port.
According to an Australian Maritime Safety Authority spokesperson, no injuries were sustained in the incident and discharge of the vessel was completed using shore cranes.
“The vessel Pan Ivy was unloading a 24-tonne steel coil, using a No.4 Crane when the crane runner-wire broke. AMSA understands this resulted in the coil landing on the wharf,” the spokesperson said.
“AMSA has inspected the vessel and stipulated that the cranes are not to be used in Australian Ports until certified by a competent authority.”
A spokesperson for SafeWork NSW said, “SafeWork NSW responded to an incident at Port Kembla and following enquiries is not taking any further action”.
A statement from the Maritime Union of Australia said employers have a primary duty of care in the management of risks, which should involve assessing all documentation and ensuring it is relevant, accessible and compliant.
“MUA members should remain vigilant as we know many managers who have or will gamble with our safety in pursuit of getting cargo on or off ships as quickly as possible,” the union said.
“Companies and their managers must be held to account for ensuring safety standards are met prior to any shipboard operations.”
Pan Ivy is a Panama-flagged bulk carrier. According to AIS tracking data, it departed Port Kembla on 5 February, heading to Abu Dhabi.
