It would appear that Mother Nature is doing what wave energy company Oceanlinx has been promising for four years – removing the wave generator off the coast at Port Kembla.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
This photo taken yesterday clearly shows part of the cowling that has broken off the decommissioned wave generator and washed up on shore.
It is perhaps a worrying indication that more pieces may follow.
The so-called ‘‘Mark 1’’ wave generator was installed by Sydney-based Oceanlinx in 2006 and decommissioned in 2009.
In the four years since, various representatives from Oceanlinx – including chief executive Ali Baghaei – have made noise about removing it.
In 2012 Mr Baghaei promised to be active in ridding the coastline of the rusting hulk.
‘‘I will push and push and push – I will make sure they [the subcontractors] do everything they can to the best of their ability, and as safely and as soon as possible.’’
After a number of broken promises, Roads and Maritime Services – the owner ‘‘of the bed of Port Kembla harbour’’ said in March it would begin legal proceedings against Oceanlinx.
‘‘RMS terminated its licence agreement with Oceanlinx in February last year for the positioning of a wave energy conversion device on the northern breakwater of Port Kembla,’’ a spokeswoman for Roads and Maritime Services said then.
‘‘The company indicated it would remove the device but this has not happened.’’
Now it appears the legal action is on hold.
‘‘RMS is continuing to work with Oceanlinx to find the best and most cost effective solution to remove the barge, which is about the size of a three-storey house, and to ensure a safe boating environment,’’ a spokeswoman said.
