Pasha Bulker recovery costs settled

by NSW Goverment Media on 1 Jul 2008
The NSW Government has secured $1.8 million in reimbursement for responding to the grounded Pasha Bulker. Ports and Waterways Minister Joe Tripodi said the amount was negotiated by Newcastle Port Corporation after a claim was lodged with Britannia Steam Ship Insurance Association in October last year.

The $1.8 million covers all the costs incurred by the NSW Government during the month long rescue of the 225-metre bulk carrier after it grounded at Nobbys Beach on June 8, 2007.

'The rescue effort combined the skills and expertise of a wide range of agencies and personnel,' Mr Tripodi said. 'The insurance claim was lodged in October and Newcastle Port Corporation worked on behalf of all the NSW agencies involved to reach an agreement.' The claim covered costs for labour, equipment hire, security, vessel and helicopter hire and services for response personnel.

The settlement includes resources used as a precaution against an oil spill under the Marine Pollution Act. The initial claim was for $1.95 million. The unsecured amount relates to an administration surcharge from the NSW Government and equipment which remains the property of Newcastle Port Corporation. Newcastle Port Corporation accepted that the additional surcharge would not be paid as it was not an expense incurred by the NSW Government.

'This settlement covers the costs incurred by NSW taxpayers attributable to the Pasha Bulker incident. The settlement is a good outcome' said Mr Tripodi.

Mr Tripodi wishes to thank all those who helped in the response effort. 'This could have been a major environmental disaster. Instead, our state agencies joined forces with Newcastle businesses, volunteers and national response experts to get the job done with no loss of life, serious injury or damage to the environment.'