Disruption at Groote as bulk carrier collides with wharf

A massive bulk carrier’s collision with a Top End port could have serious implications for the NT economy. Read why it matters.

Gemco operators South32 have vowed the exports from the mine will resume despite a horror collision between a bulk fuel carrier and the port caused by Tropical Cyclone Megan.

The mine’s operators have been quick to respond to reports in the Australian Financial Review newspaper that the mine might never re-open as a result of damage caused by the collision with bulk-carrier MV Anikitos on Sunday.

Photos of damage to the port at Groote Eylandt after it was struck by a bulk carrier during Cyclone Megan.

It’s understood the company is still assessing the extent of the damage, but it remains confident that mining and shipments will resume.

NT Police Superintendent Sonia Kennon said the vessel was berthed at the wharf at Alyangula when the collision took place, suffering hull damage that caused leaking on board the vessel.

“To confirm the vessel in Alyangula that was attached to the wharf at the time of the storms is still identified as being stable and still in location,” she said.

NT Police Superintendent Sonia Kennon gives an update as Cyclone Megan bears down on Borroloola on Monday, March 18. Picture: Zizi Averil

“There is no leak of fuels or oils at this time and the Master is working to resolve the situation to move the ship away from the wharf area.

“The Territory’s planning response should there be a leak and they’re working with AMSA to ensure this is done appropriately. With the weather setting in the area and with the actions taken to date, there has been a reduction of leaks occurring.

Photos of damage to the port at Groote Eylandt after it was struck by a bulk carrier during Cyclone Megan.

“There was slight damage (to the MV Anikitos). The damage had been assessed at this point in time has not identified there’s been any integral damage to that ship.”

The mine is a massive earner for South 32, which during the 2023 financial year exported almost 6m tonnes of manganese from the site worth about $1.5bn.

South32 posted a note with the ASX Monday morning stating operations had been suspended but without saying why.

Groote Eylandt’s Gemco mine faces disruptions after a vessel collided with the port during strong winds.

It emerged later that Cyprian-flagged bulk-carrier MV Anikitos had collided with the port beneath the pressure of category 3 Cyclone Megan.

“Initial inspections indicate the cyclone has caused structural damage to the wharf,” South32’s statement said.

“The full impact of the damage and subsequent disruption to production and sales volumes will be assessed when access to the port and other infrastructure is restored.”

Photos of damage to the port at Groote Eylandt after it was struck by a bulk carrier during Cyclone Megan.

It’s unclear how much damage was done to the Groote Eylandt port but Anikitos is almost 190m long and 32m wide and at the time of its arrival the Gemco mine was exposed to the full force of the Category 3 cyclone.

A spokesman for McArthur River Mine described the situation new Borroloola as “evolving”, and that a statement would be released later on Monday.