The two-month salvage operation overcame various challenges to contain leaking oil, refloat the vessel, and recover the 19,000 tonnes of coal onboard.

An ocean-going tug started towing the bulk carrier on Monday from its safe anchorage off Hervey Bay.

“While it is an evident relief to the people of Queensland to see the last of this ship, the incident will not be forgotten,” Maritime Safety Queensland general manager Patrick Quirk said.

“We have gained valuable knowledge in how to respond to these types of incidents and, more importantly, how to reduce their likelihood.”

He added that the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and MSQ were working on measures to increase the area covered by the Great Barrier Reef Vessel Traffic Service by June 2011.

Quirk said the findings of multiple inquiries and court prosecutions on the incident would also help shape future strategies.

The ship master is facing a maximum $55,000 fine while the first mate could get a maximum penalty of three years jail and a $220,000 fine as he was in charge of the vessel at the time of the incident.

Queensland Premier Anna Bligh thanked the various agencies behind the salvage operation and told reporters in Rockhampton it could become a textbook example of how to manage such a situation if it happens elsewhere in the world.