The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has released a detailed report on the July 2022 incident involving the bulk carrier Portland Bay, which nearly ran aground off Sydney’s coast. The 170-meter vessel lost engine power just 12 nautical miles offshore while carrying 950 tonnes of heavy fuel oil, well within the unsafe zone. The incident began as the ship departed Port Kembla amid worsening weather conditions.
ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell emphasized the potential environmental and economic repercussions of a stranding on the national park coastline, marking this investigation as one of the most extensive in nearly two decades. The vessel’s main engine failed on July 4, leading to significant coordination issues among emergency response agencies. Delays in reporting and communication failures hampered the response, with the first harbor tug arriving nearly five hours after the distress call.
The investigation revealed eight critical safety issues and prompted formal recommendations to four organizations, including the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) and the Port Authority of NSW. Key problems identified were ineffective implementation of national response procedures and unclear communication regarding salvage capabilities. The ATSB will monitor the implementation of these recommendations to address the identified safety concerns.
