Australian authorities are looking into the situation after the bulk carrier Cape Falcon, which weighs 182,066 dwt, ran aground near the Port of Gladstone in Queensland. Efforts to free the ship have not been successful so far.
The Cape Falcon, registered under the Liberian flag, grounded south of Gladstone's bunkering anchorage on September 18 while trying to anchor about six nautical miles east of the port.
Two attempts to refloat the vessel have failed. In one attempt, six vessels were involved, while a second effort with ten harbor tugs only managed to move the ship slightly, according to Queensland authorities. The ship will remain aground while other salvage options are considered.
Fortunately, there have been no injuries, damage to the hull, or pollution reported. The Cape Falcon is not blocking the main shipping channel, but ongoing operations are affecting port activities.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has started an investigation. Once conditions allow, they will board the vessel to interview the crew and gather evidence.
Investigators have instructed to preserve the ship’s voyage data recorder and will check AIS and other tracking data, as well as weather conditions, crew information, operator details, and maintenance records. A preliminary report is expected to be released in about two months.
Additionally, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority has detained the Cape Falcon under the Navigation Act while they assess the ship’s seaworthiness, as reported by Daily Cargo News.
Built in 2022, the Cape Falcon is approximately 292 meters long and 45 meters wide, with a deadweight capacity of 182,066 tonnes, according to records from ClassNK.
This grounding incident occurred near one of Australia’s key bulk export gateways, where Gladstone handles significant amounts of coal, LNG, alumina, and other commodities.