Viking-Passama

On Nov 24, 2025, four ships broke lose from their berths at the port of Brisbane during a storm with wind speeds of up to 70 knots . The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) launched an investigation into the incident, which was due to be completed in the second quarter of 2026. The ATSB team had to assess winches and equipment, such as mooring lines and anchor arrangements, collected evidence such as recorded data and documents from the ships, vessel traffic services, and pilotage provider. The iInvestigators were also expected to interview masters, pilots and other parties involved. Affected were the container ships 'Volans' (IMO: 9430777), on charter to COSCO for the JKN service between Asia and New Zealand via Brisbane, the 'Wide India' (IMO: 9698252), currently on charter to Hapag-Lloyd for their SEA service, Southeast Asia-Australia, the 'MSC Barbara' (IMO: 9226932), on MSC's Panda service from China, and the 'Viking Passama'. No major damage to the ships or the infrastructure was reported to Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads, no injuries and no pollution. At about 3 p.m. LT the 'Viking Passama' was berthing, when gales pushed the ship away from the wharf. Four of the mooring lines parted and the ship moved into the centre of the shipping channel. Two tugs assisted in pushing the ship alongside after winds subsided.  Shortly after, the 'MSC Barbara' broke away from its berth when its mooring lines paid out or parted. The ship drifted to the other side of the channel and grounded on muddy bottom in Morton Bay east of Mud Island. Pilots boarded the ship, which was successfully refloated and conducted it to the anchorage outside the harbour, where divers were deployed to inspect the hull. At the same time, the 'Wide India' broke away from its berth when its mooring lines snapped. The ship's master maintained its position in the channel until pilots boarded and conducted it to the anchorage.  Around the same time, the 'Volans' partially broke away from its berth when its aft mooring lines parted. The remaining mooring lines kept the vessel close to the wharf, until it was returned to position. All ships were anchored, and the Port of Brisbane was re-opened for shipping on the evening. The 'MSC Barbara' remained stationary in Brisbane as of Nov 26. The 'Volans' sailed on Nov 24 en route to Auckland with an ETA as of Nov 26. The 'Viking Passama' sailed from the port again on Nov 25, en route to Port Kembla with an ETA as of Nov 29. The 'Wide India' left Brisbane on Nov 25, next bound to Tanjung Pelapas with an ETA as of Dec 8.