Port of Tyne has initiated a major recovery and clean-up operation following an incident involving Cadeler’s wind turbine installation vessel Wind Orca, which allided with another vessel and a shoreside crane, resulting in one injury.
The crane operator was injured and has been hospitalized in stable condition, as per Cadeler’s statement. All crew members on Wind Orca are reported safe.
Cadeler has activated its Emergency Response Procedure and is collaborating with relevant authorities to manage the situation efficiently.
The incident occurred at approximately 13:00 local time on 19 July, when Wind Orca collided with the berthed container ship BG Orange, causing a quayside crane to collapse. Port of Tyne reported that one person was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
As Wind Orca was leaving the dock, it struck the berthed vessel, resulting in the collapse of a gantry crane onto the ship. The collision damaged cargo containers carrying plastic resin pellets, some of which entered the river.
On 24 July, the Port of Tyne updated that specialist teams are working to secure and remove the damaged crane. Recovery vessels and floating booms are deployed to contain and recover spilled plastic pellets from damaged containers aboard BG Orange.
The port is cooperating with local authorities, emergency services, and environmental agencies to minimize environmental impacts and operational disruptions, and a full investigation is underway.
Investigations are being conducted by Northumbrian Police, The Maritime Accident Investigation Branch, and the Statutory Harbour Authority, according to Port of Tyne.
Previously, Wind Orca was deployed under Cadeler’s foundation transportation and installation contract for the Hornsea 3 offshore wind farm. Prior to this, the vessel underwent maintenance at several ports, including Port Esbjerg, Odense Port, and the Port of Tyne, which acts as the loadout base for Hornsea 3.
Original Story at www.offshorewind.biz