A BARGE deployed from Brisbane to remove sunken tugs Campbell Cove and York Cove from the Mersey River in Tasmania has again been delayed by severe weather on the east coast.
The two tugs sunk in late January when cement carrier Goliath collided with the berthed vessels in Port of Devonport.
TasPorts’ insurer and salvage company are continuing to work to move lifting barge St Vincent from Brisbane to Tasmania to remove the wrecks, but a weather pattern on the east coast last week delayed the journey.
TasPorts said the port, its insurer and the salvor have been developing contingency plans in case a removal using St Vincent is ultimately not possible.
It said it has commenced operational planning for one of the contingency plans as further delays are expected.
“In the meantime, TasPorts continues to prioritise commercial ship visits to the Port of Devonport,” the port said in a statement.
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 said it has facilitated multiple ship visits to the port since the Goliath incident.
