Feeling chipper: Burnie loader fixed

BURNIE’s woodchip loader is back in action after inspection, repair and function testing that followed a collision with a ship 10 days ago.

The loader struck woodchip carrier Canada Express while being mobilised on the evening of 14 May.

TasPorts said no injuries occurred and the vessel, Nova Shipping & Logistics’ 69,742 DWT, Singapore-flag woodchip carrier Canada Express, suffered only minor superficial damage. TasPorts secured the site immediately, ceased operations and isolated the shiploader.

Interim CEO Allan Gray said returning the shiploader to service safely and within a week had been a significant task.

"Our team has worked hard over the past week to get the shiploader back online safely, and I want to acknowledge the effort that has gone into achieving that," Captain Gray said.

"This was a challenging piece of work, involving detailed inspection, component replacement and careful testing. It reflects the skill and dedication of our TasPorts team and the consultants and contractors who worked alongside them.

"Throughout this work, safety has remained our first priority. Returning the facility to service in this timeframe, and doing so safely, is a credit to everyone involved.

"We've stayed in close contact with our customers throughout, and we're pleased to be in a position to resume operations."

Canada Express was diverted to Bell Bay to load for Rizhao, China. Fleetmate Tarakan Express berthed at Burnie’s No 7 – the Chip Export Terminal - at 1000 hrs yesterday [24 May] to begin taking on cargo via the repaired loader. It is listed to sail for Rizhao on Wednesday.

TasPorts says the cause of the incident remains under investigation.