The bulk carrier Portland Bay is back in safe waters, with a mission to bring it into Port Botany completed on Wednesday afternoon.
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A Port Authority of NSW pilot and four tugs supported the ship's entry into the harbour, before all final safety and technical checks were completed.
The Port Authority thanked its staff and the other organisations who worked on the retrieval.
"I would like to acknowledge the heroic efforts of the towage crews who worked day and night to keep all aboard MV Portland Bay safe," Port Authority of NSW chief executive officer Philip Holliday
"The professionalism and skill of the mariners involved were on display for the world to see in truly atrocious conditions. Thank you for your tireless efforts over the past three days."
On Wednesday morning the Australian Maritime Safety Authority issued a legal direction to the ship's master and the salvage team that the vessel must be moved into a berth.
A tug boat with large vessel capability, the Glenrock, arrived from Newcastle on Tuesday to help with the task.
Now the boat is safely docked, AMSA will send two inspectors and a specialist lead investigator on board the ship to check its mechanical safety and compliance with international conventions and Australian law.
The Portland Bay will not be allowed to leave Port Botany until all necessary repairs are finished.
The Portland Bay had been anchored off Cronulla since Monday after towing cables broke while tugs tried to pull it further to sea.
"Those smaller tugs have done amazing work over the past 24 to 36 hours ensuring the stricken vessel did not drift onto some of Sydney's most pristine coastline," AMSA executive director response Mark Morrow said yesterday morning.
The Portland Bay found itself at risk of smashing into the cliffs of the Royal National Park on Monday morning when its engine failed after leaving Port Kembla.
Meanwhile, the calmer weather conditions meant commercial shipping could resume in Port Kembla on Wednesday.
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Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
