ATSB Investigation Reveals Emergency Management Gaps at Port of Brisbane

An Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) investigation has uncovered significant gaps in emergency and risk management procedures following two container ships breaking away from their moorings at the Port of Brisbane in May 2022.

The incidents occurred due to unprecedented rainfall and controlled dam releases causing strong currents in the Brisbane River. The OOCL Brisbane broke free from berth 10 at Fisherman Islands on May 16, followed by the CMA CGM Bellini from berth 6 four days later.

ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell reported that while both vessels were brought under control without injuries or substantial damage, the breakaways could have had serious consequences.

The investigation found that the breakaways resulted from a combination of strong currents and interaction forces created by other container ships passing alongside and berthing ahead of the affected vessels. The high ebb current speeds and vessel interactions exceeded the mooring limits for both ships.

The OOCL Brisbane experienced a complete failure of its mooring lines before being assisted by tugs, while the CMA CGM Bellini had its forward mooring lines parted, causing its bow to drift from the wharf before tug assistance secured it.

A crucial finding of the investigation was the lack of proper procedures by Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) and Poseidon Sea Pilots (PSP) in identifying and assessing shipping hazards during abnormal environmental conditions.

In response to these incidents, MSQ and PSP have implemented several safety improvements, including establishing the Port of Brisbane Maritime Emergency Working Group, installing additional current meters in the river, developing new procedures for vessel movements during flood conditions, and creating improved extreme weather event planning and response protocols.

“These breakaways highlight the importance of robust, properly structured, and clearly defined emergency and risk management arrangements for managing port shipping movements outside of normal operating conditions,” Mitchell emphasized.

The incidents have spurred enhanced collaboration among stakeholders to enhance safety measures and risk assessment procedures for shipping operations during extreme weather events.