Grounding of the Shen Neng 1 on Douglas Shoal, April 2010: Impact assessment report

Abstract

See also Errata attached to this record.

On 3 April 2010, the Chinese bulk coal carrier Shen Neng I ran aground on Douglas Shoal in the southern Great Barrier Reef. The vessel remained on the shoal until 12 April 2010, during which time it moved significantly due to winds and tides. This report provides a summary assessment of the impacts of the ship grounding on the marine habitats of Douglas Shoal, based on three site visits. Data are provided for: • Direct and photographic assessments by divers of damage • Chemical analyses of sediments samples for antifoulant paint contamination • Multibeam sonar and towed video surveys provided by the Australian Institute of Marine Science. Based on these assessments, the vessel grounding caused significant impacts to the habitats of Douglas Shoal, with extensive areas of severe physical damage to, and destruction of, the shoal habitats and considerable contamination by toxic chemicals.