Phillip Bay News

The entry into force of the Ballast Water Convention this September will not prevent the transfer of invasive aquatic species (IAS) unless there is mandatory legislation in place to prevent biofouling on ships’ hulls. Indeed, while there is ongoing evaluation of the Biofouling Guidelines set out in MEPC.1/Circ.811, there has been little support from IMO Member States for a new mandatory instrument to reduce the impact of bioufouling. Aside from the guidelines, the issue of biofouling is though not to be on the agenda of the MEPC or any other IMO body. There has been a number of studies comparing the transfer of IAS through ballast with that transferred by hull fouling…

The entry into force of the Ballast Water Convention this September will not prevent the transfer of invasive aquatic species (IAS) unless there is mandatory legislation in place to prevent biofouling on ships’ hulls. Indeed, while there is ongoing evaluation of the Biofouling Guidelines set out in MEPC.1/Circ.811, there has been little support from IMO Member States for a new mandatory instrument to reduce the impact of bioufouling. Aside from the guidelines, the issue of biofouling is though not to be on the agenda of the MEPC or any other IMO body.

A large live cattle ship on its way to China has been stranded in Port Phillip for days after breaking down on the weekend, reports AAP. The Singapore-flagged Girolando Express left Geelong for Huanghua in China on December 6, but only made it as far as Portarlington. There are 4245 cattle on board, a spokeswoman for the Australian Maritime Safety Authority confirmed. Geelong Harbour Master Captain Dilip Abraham said there are no animal welfare concerns for the 3500 breeding cattle on board. “She started developing some steering and engine problems and the pilot decided to anchor her in Port Phillip Bay,” Capt Abraham said. “Today is…

Nuship Canberra, the first of two Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) ships being built for the Australian Defense Force, has sailed on her final contractor sea trials before delivery to the Australian Government. The ship departed Williamstown shipyard on August 12 as planned with the trials taking place in both Port Phillip Bay and off the southern coast of New South Wales before returning to Williamstown around the end of August. Final contractor trials involve testing of the combat and communication systems along with some platform systems trials.

Imagine having to bring a 100,000 tons ship into port in rough weather and heavy seas, navigating through a narrow, rocky passage bordered by dangerous reefs. Port Phillip Bay, which forms the entrance to the Port of Melbourne, is a place that one can love one day and really hate the next. Its treacherous waters are amongst the most dangerous in the world, and more than 700 vessels have met their end at the entry and within the bay. Since 1839, it has been the responsibility of the Port Phillip Sea Pilots to steer ships safely through the labyrinth of rips…

The new generation of giant container ships will be able to access Melbourne's port within three years under plans released yesterday by the Bracks Government to deepen the channels leading to the city's docks, the Australian reported. But figures released along with an environmental effects statement reveal the cost of the dredging project has blown out from $545 million to at least $763 million. And Treasurer John Brumby refused to say how much of the burden would be borne by taxpayers and how much by cargo exporters through a proposed increase in the container levy. Shallow areas in the mouth of Port Phillip Bay, the mouth of the Yarra River and the shipping channel between the two prevent about 25per cent of container ships using the port or loading to full capacity.