ATEC News

Project Name

Marine Resource Damage Assessment – grounding of the ship ZHI QIANG, Louisiade Archipelago, Papua New Guinea.

Project Location

Louisiade Archipelago, Papua New Guinea.

Duration

June 2006 to Jan 2007

Funding Agency

Ship’s insurers

 Value

 Commercial-in-Confidence

Project Partners

EcoStrategic Consultants (www.eco-strategic.com)

Brian White and Associates – Maritime Lawyers.

Objective

Carry out an assessment of potential damage to the reef and associated marine resources from the ship grounding and cargo and oil spillage.

Consult with local island communities and assist determination of possible reparations to local island communities, who own and use the marine resources of the area.

Outcomes

On 1 July 2006 the bulk carrier ZHI QIANG, carrying 40,000 tonnes of raw sugar from Townsville to Korea, grounded on Long Reef in the Louisiade Archipelago, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea. The area is rich in coral reefs and other marine resources that are even more diverse than Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

The salvage-team refloated the ship successfully, despite inclement weather and considerable damage to the port-side hull and holds. The ship was then towed to Port Moresby for further assessment. The incident resulted in some release of oil and cargo.

EcoStrategic Consultants was engaged by the ships’ insurers, through maritime law firm Brian White and Associates – to provide environmental advice, carry out an assessment of potential damage to the reef and associated marine resources, undertake community consultations, and to assist the determination of possible reparations to local island communities, who own and use the marine resources of the area.

The expedition found that environmental damage was relatively restricted and that damaged areas were showing strong signs of ecological recovery. Satisfactory reparation arrangements were progressed with local island communities.