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Major Oil Spills in Australia

Princess Anne Marie, offshore Western Australia, 14 July 1975

On 14 July 1975 the Marine Operations Centre in Canberra was alerted that the oil tanker Princess Anne Marie sustained a large crack in its hull while some 300 miles off the Australian coast. The crack was reported to be 13 x 6 metres and extended two metres below the waterline. A report received later that day indicated that the vessel had lost 14,800 tonnes of oil.

The Marine Operations Centre diverted the tanker British Unity to assist. The two vessels were on route to the Port of Fremantle, however both were ordered to head for Barrow Island to the north, as it was considered to be the least environmentally sensitive site of the practical alternatives. It was proposed that an inspection be carried out while the ship was anchored at least 50 miles from Barrow Island.

On 16 July a team of oil pollution and ship repair expertss boarded the damaged vessel, including members of the WA State Oil Pollution Committee, naval architects, engineers and a marine surveyor. It was determined that the reason for the crack was over-stressing of the 20mm thick plates due to constant flexing in part of the hull. It was also decided to charter a second tanker, Donovania to take on the remaining 48,000 tonnes of oil.

The discharge of oil from the Princess Anne Marie to the Donovania commenced on 30 July 1975. The process was divided up into nine stages over the course of four days and there was no evidence of further pollution during this time.

On 9 October 1975 the Princess Anne Marie departed Dampier after the completion of temporary repairs to the satisfaction of the Department of Transport, Lloyds and the insurance underwriters. The vessel steamed slowly to the Singapore dry dock accompanied by a Singapore based tug.

Anne_marie Anne Marie