The ATSB is investigating the breakaway of the container ship OOCL Brisbane and near-breakaway of the container ship CMA CGM Bellini on 16 May and 20 May respectively, at the Fisherman Island container terminals in the Port of Brisbane, Queensland.

At about 1313 AEST on 16 May 2022, OCCL Brisbane broke away from its berth at the terminal after its mooring lines parted shortly after another ship, Delos Wave, passed the berthed ship in the adjacent channel. The emergency response by OCCL Brisbane’s crew included using the ship’s engines and bow thruster to manage the situation until harbour tugs arrived at 1320. The tugs remained with the ship and its starboard anchor was lowered to prevent the ship drifting further into the channel. At 1420, a harbour pilot boarded the ship and, with additional tugs assisting, conducted it to a nearby anchorage where it anchored safely without further incident.

At about 0640 AEST on 20 May, CMA CGM Bellini was working cargo alongside a berth at the terminal when two of its forward mooring lines parted and the ship’s bow drifted off the berth at the time that another ship, APL Scotland, passed the berthed ship in the adjacent channel. The ship’s crew responded by attending to moorings and, with the assistance of a harbour tug, the ship was secured safely back alongside the berth by about 0800. Cargo operations were resumed shortly after.

The ATSB’s investigation will cover circumstances related to both incidents. As part of the investigation, the ATSB will interview relevant persons and obtain other evidence, including recorded data, for both incidents. Should a critical safety issue be identified at any time during the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify operators and regulators so appropriate and timely safety action can be taken. A final report will be published at the conclusion of the investigation.