King Island freight vessel out of action

VITAL King Island freight vessel John Duigan is off the King Island-Devonport run after an incident at Grassy Harbour. 

It is not yet known when the vessel will return to service. 

Bass Island Line owners, TasPorts, is investigating the King Island freight task options after an infrastructure failure at Grassy Harbour. 

“John Duigan experienced a safety incident at the Port of Grassy last week involving the failure of a bollard while departing, which severed under the mooring line landing in the sea,” TasPorts said. 

“Fortunately no one was harmed.” 

TasPorts Chief Executive Anthony Donald said safety of people and assets was of the highest importance and as a result of this serious safety incident TasPorts conducted a detailed investigation. 

“One of the findings was that the John Duigan and other vessels have been using mooring lines and a berthing and departure sequence that on occasion exceeds the rated capacity of the bollards at Grassy Port,” he said. 

“The investigation also found that a simple and quick solution is to upgrade the bollards to support the use of heavier mooring lines and the range of berthing and departure sequences that each vessel master may require.” 

TasPorts has been working on an upgrade for the bollards to allow the John Duigan to return [to service] as swiftly as possible. 

“If the bollard assessment for the infrastructure solution is positive the John Duigan may be able to return within days,” Mr Donald said. 

“If further assessments are required Bass Island Line has a backup plan to use Eastern Line and Bass Strait Freight options to ensure continuity of service.