Grounding of Oppama Spirit

Summary

On 12 May 1993, the fully laden, 81,248 tonnes deadweight Bahamas flag tanker Oppama Spirit grounded at Gove, Northern Territory. The ship had been manoeuvring to go alongside the berth, when it experienced a total power loss as a result of the seawater cooling system becoming blocked. While under tow to the anchorage, the ship took a sheer and grounded forward.

The ship was pulled clear by one of the tugs after less than one hour and towed to the anchorage without further mishap.

No damage was sustained by the ship and no oil pollution occurred as a result of the grounding.

Conclusions

It is considered that:

1. The blockage of the sea-water cooling system, which resulted in a total power failure, was caused by mud, sand and shells churned up from the seabed and drawn into the system while the engine was being run astern off the berth at Gove.
2. The decision to abort the berthing and tow the ship out to the anchorage was appropriate.
3. The decision not to use an anchor to stop the sheer to port was appropriate.
4. The two tugs stationed at Gove were under-powered for the task in hand and were unable to stop either Oppama Spirit's sheer to port or the grounding.