Ocean Monarch inspects hull after EPA battle

The company that owns the Ocean Monarch has inspected the oil rig for potential biosecurity risks — but has yet to reveal the results.

THE company that owns the Ocean Monarch has inspected the oil rig for potential biosecurity risks and will hand the Tasmanian Environment Protection Authority its report next week.

The EPA had been locked in battle with the Diamond Offshore General Company over its refusal to allow inspection of the rig temporarily moored in the River Derwent.

The company had denied the EPA access to the rig and initially rejected the body’s request that it at least conduct its own assessment of the presence of marine pests.

MORE:

BOATERS IGNORE RIG EXCLUSION ZONE

EPA DENIED ACCESS TO OCEAN MONARCH

However, EPA director Wes Ford today confirmed the Ocean Monarch had this weekend conducted a visual inspection of its hull.

The oil rig Ocean Monarch moored in the River Derwent. Picture: FIONA HARDING

The EPA is worried about the introduced colonial sea squirt, which is present in waters off Western Australia — the rig’s previous port of call.

“The company has advised me that the visual inspection of the hull occurred at the weekend and that they expect to submit a report next Monday,” Mr Ford told the Mercury.

Mr Ford declined to comment further.

The EPA website said the authority would work with Diamond Offshore General to ensure its inspection met the authority’s specifications and that the company met its requirements under Tasmanian environmental legislation.

The Ocean Monarch was towed to Hobart in early November for maintenance and repairs.

It is expected to leave the Derwent in late January.

WELL-OILED RIG READY TO RIDE UP DERWENT