MV Maersk Garonne Departs Fremantle After Grounding

Maersk Garonne file photo (c) MarineTraffic/tania dottore

The MV Maersk Garonne departed Fremantle Inner Harbour Tuesday after an inspection of the vessel found no significant damage from Saturday’s grounding.

An initial inspection by divers at a temporary anchorage in Gage Roads found no significant damage to the vessel and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) gave approval for the ship to be moved. The ship was moved on Sunday afternoon to Berth 8 on North Quay late for cargo unloading. The vessel departed from Fremantle on Tuesday morning for the Port of Melbourne, the Fremantle Ports Authority said.

The ship ran aground off South Mole as it entered Fremantle’s Inner Harbour under pilotage on Saturday at approximately 5:00 a.m. The vessel was pulled free from soft sand about 3 1/2 hours later.

According to statement from an AMSA spokesman obtained by the website IHS Maritime 360, engine failure has been ruled out as a possible cause of the incident.

The grounding is being investigated by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau.

AIS Recreation of the Grounding:

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