Engine failure leads to brief port ban for Goliath cement ship

A Tasmanian port ban imposed on the Goliath cement carrier ship has been lifted less than 24 hours after it was imposed.

A BAN on the cement ship Goliath from entering Tasmanian waters has been lifted less than 24 hours after it was imposed.

Late on Wednesday afternoon, TasPorts announced the Tasmanian Harbour Master had denied the CSL vessel access to Tasmanian waters.

The Goliath is a regular in the Port of Devonport where it loads cement produced by Cement Australia at Railton.

And last year it was involved in a dramatic collision in the port which caused two tugs to sink and sparked a massive clean up operation.

Sunken tug boats at Devonport wharf after being hit by cement carrier GOLIATH. Picture: Grant Viney

TasPorts CEO Anthony Donald said the decision to ban the vessel had been taken after another incident involving the vessel on Monday.

“The denial of access will remain in place until a detailed report is provided to the Tasmanian Harbour Master by CSL, that includes required remedies to the issue identified,” he said.

“The protection of human life, marine assets and the environment are critical considerations for all vessel movements in Tasmanian waters.”

On Thursday morning, the Tasmanian Harbour Master said the ship would again be allowed to berth.

“The Tasmanian Harbour Master had previously denied the vessel access to Tasmanian waters after human error led to engine failure while the vessel was departing the Port of Devonport on Monday,” the statement said.

Cement carrier Goliath

Mr Donald said a report had been provided which outlined the incident and specified remedial actions.

Last year the Goliath crashed into the Port of Devonport’s western side damaging and sinking two tug boats.

A preliminary Australian Transport Safety Bureau report into the incident indicated an incorrect steering setting was selected as the ship unexpectedly sped up and collided with the two tugboats.

The report said as Goliath’s speed continued increasing, the master found that both rudders were not at the angles corresponding to the joystick setting