THE WAKE of the allision between a Maersk container ship and an 1850s-style Barquentine that occurred last week has produced a flurry of developments as both vessels see continued assessments.
The incident which occurred last Friday (30 August) at approximately 0615 saw Maersk Shekou impact the sail-training tall ship STS Leeuwin II as the former was entering port under pilotage, with Maersk Shekou causing visible damage to Leeuwin II.
Neil Stanbury, manager for public relations at Fremantle Ports, revealed that an inspection of Leeuwin II was conducted by Leeuwin Foundation staff on Saturday (31 August), with no underwater damage identified and the vessel’s watertight compartments secured.
“Fremantle Ports is today working with the Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation to provide safe access to the sail training ship so damaged spars and rigging can be removed or made fast, before the ship can be moved,” Mr Stanbury said.
“The vessel is under close supervision and currently remains at its home berth on Victoria Quay.”
Meanwhile, Maersk Shekou remains in Fremantle Harbour, currently undergoing temporary repairs before it can depart, having sustained reported damages to its hull, and also having been the subject of an underwater hull inspection.
Mr Stanbury said the 332 metre length-overall boxship was approved to commence loading/unloading from Friday afternoon, at Fremantle’s North Quay, with cargo operations to continue on Wednesday.
ANL & CGM Group announced following the incident that Maersk Shekou would omit its Sydney call, previously scheduled for later this month, in order to “avoid further delays and to assist in the schedule recovery”.
Maersk Shekou’s next scheduled call after Fremantle is Port Klang in Malaysia, estimated arrival for 7 September.
“The ship’s anticipated departure for Port Klang is yet to be determined and will require prior approval from AMSA and Fremantle Ports to ensure it is seaworthy,” Mr Stanbury said.
Mr Stanbury said regular port operations in the Inner Harbour resumed on Friday evening (30 August), when it was determined there were no underwater obstructions or debris.
“The ATSB has begun its investigation and Fremantle Ports is providing every assistance to that inquiry.”
Further information that surfaced claims the WA Maritime Museum also sustained damage to its roof in the incident.
This was corroborated by the Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore, which claims to be in contact with both the vessel manager and Fremantle Port Authority, and reported the fact in their announcement addressing the incident. Maersk Shekou is a Singapore-flagged vessel.
Maersk Shekou was reportedly under pilotage and being assisted by four tugs when the incident occurred, with some initial reports attributing cause to a weather incident, though the cause remains unconfirmed amidst ongoing assessments.
No injuries were reported amongst the 26 crew members aboard Maersk Shekou. The MPA stated it will be investigating the incident.
Mr Stanbury also confirmed that both of the injured night watch members who were aboard Leeuwin when the incident happened were discharged from hospital over the weekend and are recovering well.
At the time of the incident it was reported from various sources that the workers had sustained “non life-threatening injuries”.
Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation, operator of Leeuwin II, has already updated its website homepage with an appeal for donations to contribute to the ship’s intended restoration.
“Following this dismasting, we now need to look to rerig the ship to the same high standard so that we may once again resume our voyages,” the foundation’s “Leeuwin Fund” section reads.
