Port of Brisbane Container Ship Breakaways: ATSB Investigation and Safety Enhancements

Incident Details

In May 2022, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) investigated two significant incidents at the Port of Brisbane, where container ships broke away from their moorings due to heavy rainfall and strong currents in the Brisbane River. The incidents involved the OOCL Brisbane and the CMA CGM Bellini.

On 16 May 2022, at 1313 local time, the OOCL Brisbane broke away from berth 10 at Fisherman Islands. The strong currents generated by heavy rainfall caused the ship’s mooring lines to part, resulting in significant damage as the vessel drifted downstream before being towed back. Four days later, on 20 May 2022, the CMA CGM Bellini experienced a near-breakaway at the same berth. Although its mooring lines stretched, they did not fully break, and the ship was secured without significant damage.

The environmental conditions during these incidents were characterized by heavy rainfall and strong currents, posing risks to moored ships. The strong currents challenged the mooring lines of the OOCL Brisbane, which were not designed to withstand such forces. The near-breakaway of the CMA CGM Bellini also highlighted the risks associated with strong currents. These incidents underscored the importance of robust mooring systems and effective risk management practices in ports subject to such environmental conditions.

Safety4Sea, Maritime Executive, ATSB, Safety4Sea, Baird Maritime, The Daily Commercial News

ATSB Investigation Findings

The ATSB investigation attributed the breakaways to strong currents following heavy rainfall, combined with interaction forces from nearby moving ships. The investigation identified deficiencies in emergency and risk management procedures by Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) and Poseidon Sea Pilots (PSP).

The specific causes of the breakaways were the strong currents generated by heavy rainfall, which exceeded the design limits of the mooring systems. These currents were exacerbated by the interaction forces from nearby moving ships, such as the container ship Delos Wave, which passed by the OOCL Brisbane just as it was breaking away.

The ATSB report highlighted that MSQ had not adequately assessed the risk of breakaways during heavy rainfall events. Additionally, PSP had not provided sufficient pilotage services, failing to warn the master of the OOCL Brisbane about the potential hazards posed by the strong currents and nearby ships.

The investigation underscored the importance of robust risk assessment and management practices in maritime safety. Improved identification and assessment of hazards, enhanced emergency response procedures, and better coordination between maritime authorities and pilotage services are crucial to mitigating breakaway risks.

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Impact and Consequences

The breakaways had profound immediate impacts on port operations at the Port of Brisbane. The incidents led to delays and disruptions in cargo handling and vessel turnaround times, as the vessels sought alternative berths or anchorage.

The potential risks and hazards identified during these incidents included further breakaways due to ongoing heavy rainfall and strong currents, as well as the risk of collision with other vessels in the congested port area.

The long-term implications for port safety and maritime operations are significant. The ATSB investigation highlighted the need for improved risk management and emergency response procedures. Enhanced risk assessment processes, better monitoring of weather conditions, more robust mooring line systems, and regular drills and simulations are crucial for ensuring the safety of vessels and port operations in the future.

Safety Improvements

In response to the incidents, several safety improvements were implemented:

• Establishment of the Port of Brisbane Maritime Emergency Working Group to coordinate emergency response efforts.
• Installation of additional current meters to provide real-time data on water currents.
• Development of new procedures for vessel movements during flood conditions.
• Creation of improved extreme weather event planning and response protocols.

These measures aimed to enhance the safety of port operations and maritime activities, ensuring better communication, coordination, and informed decision-making during extreme weather conditions.

ATSB

Stakeholder Collaboration

The ATSB investigation underscored the critical importance of enhanced collaboration among various stakeholders in maritime safety. Effective collaboration and stringent risk management procedures are essential for preventing future incidents.

Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) plays a pivotal role in ensuring the safety of maritime operations in Queensland. The investigation highlighted deficiencies in MSQ’s risk management processes, which contributed to the breakaways.

Poseidon Sea Pilots (PSP) provides pilotage services to ensure the safe navigation of ships in and around the Port of Brisbane. The investigation revealed that PSP’s emergency response procedures were inadequate, leading to delays in providing timely assistance.

Other stakeholders, including port authorities, shipowners, and maritime industry associations, also have crucial roles. Robust emergency and risk management arrangements, including regular drills, comprehensive hazard identification, and effective communication protocols, are vital for preventing similar incidents in the future.

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Conclusion

The ATSB investigation into the Port of Brisbane container ship breakaways underscores the critical importance of robust emergency and risk management procedures in maritime operations. The implementation of new safety measures, improved collaboration, and ongoing monitoring will enhance the overall safety of port operations. Preparedness and proactive measures are essential to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of vessels and personnel.

Sources

• ATSB – Identification risk assessment hazards improved after Brisbane container ship breakaways during flooding event
• Baird Maritime – Identification risk assessment of hazards improved after containership breakaways during flooding event in Brisbane, Australia
• Maritime Executive – ATSB: Complex Interaction Forces Can Cause Breakaways in Fast Currents
• Safety4Sea – ATSB investigation: Breakaways of containerships at the Port of Brisbane
• Safety4Sea – ATSB Breakaway occurrences 2025_01
• The Daily Commercial News – ATSB releases report on 2022 Brisbane breakaways