Anro Asia, 29 October 1981

On 29 October 1981 the 213-metre 16,336 gross tonnage Ro-Ro container vessel, Anro Asia, grounded near the northern tip of Bribie Island while entering Moreton Bay.
Image of Anro Asia grounded off Bribie Island, Queensland

The vessel sustained damage to several double bottom tanks, releasing around 70 to 100 tonnes of bunker fuel into the sea. It carried a total of 1100 tonnes of bunker fuel.

Some oil reached shore resulting in a clean-up operation. The Port of Brisbane assumed the role of combat agency as the incident occurred within port limits.

One Vikoma Seapack, 600 metres of Gamlen boom and the Marco class 1 Alpha were immediately dispatched to the incident, together with support craft. A second Vikoma Seapack and two Yokohama fenders were sent to Mooloolaba on 31 October. Both Vikoma Seapacks were deployed with oil being recovered by the Marco Alpha which prevented the oil from crossing Caloundra Bar.

During the night of 3 November, strong 30–35 knot north-east winds resulted in the total loss of one Seapack and severe damage to the other. After the Vikoma loss, an OMI Mk9 Oil Mop was obtained from Melbourne and 300 metres of Slickbar boom from Adelaide. However, the bad weather aided in the degradation of oil still leaking from the grounded vessel and little further response action was necessary.

Outcome

For the vessel refloat a Troilboom Giant and Destroil Skimmer were made available from Adelaide.

Minimal oil leaked from the vessel during the last three days of the stranding.

The Anro Asia was refloated on 6 November 1981.

Related information

Read about Australia's National Plan for Maritime Environmental Emergencies.

Last updated: 9 November 2020