New South Wales Ports Minister Joe Tripodi says the salvage costs will run into the millions but is confident the ship’s insurance company will cover costs.
“Newcastle Port Corporation is still tabulating the bill, they've nominated themselves as the people who'll organise and compile all the expenses. That process is still going on, but there is every indication that the insurance company is working cooperatively with Newcastle Port Corporation to pick up the extent of the salvage,” he told ABC News.
After running aground on Nobby’s beach in the New South Wales Hunter region on June 8, the bulk carrier has been anchored off the Port of Newcastle undergoing emergency repairs.
Today, five tugs are set to pull the damaged Pasha Bulker from the port to a special anchorage area off the Newcastle coast.
After a complex rigging operation, Japanese tug Koyo Maru will then pull the Pasha Bulker back to an unknown destination in Asia for further substantial repairs.
Four rounds will be fired from Fort Scratchley's gun to farewell the ship, Port Corporation CEO Gary Webb said.
“There's a deal of sadness, it's certainly generated a significant amount of interest, but from a port perspective we're delighted that the vessel was successfully refloated and successfully brought back into port and is on its way for repairs,” he said.
