A major incident at the Port of Tyne has led to an ongoing recovery operation after an offshore wind installation vessel collided with a berthed container ship, causing a dockside gantry crane to collapse, injuring one worker, and spilling millions of plastic pellets into the River Tyne. The accident has prompted investigations by multiple authorities and a large-scale environmental clean-up. (breakbulk.news)
The collision occurred when the Wind Orca, a wind turbine installation vessel operated by Cadeler, was leaving its berth and struck the stationary container ship BG Orange. The impact caused a large quayside gantry crane to collapse onto the container vessel, damaging both the crane and cargo containers. (Riviera Maritime Media)
Emergency services, including Northumbria Police, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, the North East Ambulance Service, and the Great North Air Ambulance, responded to the scene shortly after the collision. One man sustained injuries that were reported as not life-threatening and was taken to hospital for treatment. No fatalities have been reported. (ITVX)
In addition to the structural damage, the collision caused containers aboard the BG Orange to rupture, releasing an estimated 25 tonnes of plastic pellets, known as nurdles, into the River Tyne. The pellets have since washed ashore along beaches in South Tyneside and surrounding coastal areas, prompting concerns about potential impacts on marine wildlife and the environment. (The Guardian)
The Port of Tyne immediately activated its pollution response plan, deploying floating containment booms and specialist recovery vessels to limit the spread of the pellets. Environmental agencies, local councils, and clean-up crews continue working to recover as much of the material as possible while monitoring affected shorelines. (envirotecmagazine.com)
Recovery efforts are also focused on stabilising and removing the collapsed gantry crane. Specialist engineering teams have been brought in to safely dismantle the damaged structure before normal operations can fully resume. Port officials have confirmed that the clean-up and salvage operation is expected to continue for several days. (World Cargo News)
The cause of the collision remains under investigation. The Maritime Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB), Northumbria Police, and the Port of Tyne’s Statutory Harbour Authority are examining the circumstances that led to the accident. Investigators are expected to review vessel movements, navigation procedures, and communications before releasing their findings. (IndexBox)
The Port of Tyne has stated that its priority remains the safety of personnel, the protection of the environment, and the restoration of normal port operations. Further updates are expected as investigators complete their inquiries and recovery teams continue their work. (Port of Tyne)