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“The Pacific Responder has been sailing from Queensland and is expected in port about 11.15am,” Newcastle Port Corporation CEO Gary Webb said.

“Pacific Responder joins the oil-spill response vessel, Shirley Smith, and the salvage tugs Woona and Keera that are already berthed at Western Basin in the port.

“Pacific Responder normally provides emergency towage response in the northern Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait for the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.

“The salvor is relocating two replacement tugs to provide this capacity while Pacific Responder is in Newcastle."

The Pacific Responder is 64 metres in length and will assist in laying sea anchors and chains as part of the salvage of the Pasha Bulker.

yesterday Newcastle Port chairman Wilton Ainsworth extended thanks to the organisations involved in assisting in the refloat of the Pasha Bulker from Nobbys Beach at Newcastle.

Ainsworth said there had been an immediate and coordinated response from many organisations after the Pasha Bulker went aground on June 8.

“The response and effort has been nothing short of magnificent and special praise goes to those organisations that are working through the Incident Control Centre that has been established by the Newcastle Port Corporation,” Ainsworth said.

Ainsworth said about 55 people had been working through the Incident Control Centre during the first week, but this had now been reduced to about 25 as detailed planning continues. There are also those who are supporting the effort remotely from organisations across New South Wales and Australia.

“These people have been pulled away from their normal duties which has placed a strain on their own organisations and we thank them for the cooperation and understanding,” he said.

“Many people will return next week as we progress towards safely attempting to refloat the Pasha Bulker.”

The chairman also passed on his appreciation to employees of the Newcastle Port Corporation who responded very quickly after the Pasha Bulker went aground.

“Employees have been focused on maintaining safe port operations during a challenging time,” Ainsworth said.

“Many employees have faced difficulties at home due to recent storm activity and I thank them for their dedication. It has been, and continues to be, a total team effort.”

Organisations assisting Newcastle Port Corporation and Svitzer Salvage include:

Australian Maritime Oil Spill Centre

Australian Maritime Safety Authority

Department of Environment and Climate Change

Maritime Safety Queensland

Newcastle City Council

Newcastle local businesses

Nobbys Surf Life Saving Club

NSW Maritime

NSW Police Service

Oil Response Company of Australia

Port Kembla Port Corporation

Sydney Ports Corporation