The Australia Maritime Safety
Authority kicked off 2024 by issuing its first ban against a ship as part of
its ongoing enforcement efforts. The authority highlights that it does not hesitate
to take swift and appropriate actions against what it deems unsafe ships,
although in this case, it has been dealing with a broken-down vessel for more
than four months.
The
Liberian-registered bulk carrier KMAX Leader (91,800 dwt) arrived in Gladstone
in late October. Built in 2010, the vessel is managed out of the Philippines.
After arriving in Australia, the agent advised AMSA that the ship was
experiencing “unidentified engine room vibrations,” and work had commenced on
the mechanical issues. According to
AMSA, they were advised it would require eight to 10 days.
“The
ship was left disabled in the Port of Gladstone during cyclone season,
presenting a very real risk to safety within the port,” says AMSA. A “refusal
of access Direction” was issued to the ship and its owners effective February
15 AMSA reports, “as a result of serious safety violations and breaches of
Australian legislation committed by the ship’s master and owner while in
Gladstone Harbour.”
AMSA reports that they issued
multiple notices to the ship requiring the ship’s classification society to
conduct a damage survey and report on repair work. They also required the ship to
advise AMSA of towage arrangements and an updated repair plan.
“The
lack of information forthcoming from the owners of KMAX Leader has been very
disappointing,” said Michael Drake, AMSA Executive Director Operations. “AMSA
expects all ship operators and masters to engage promptly, transparently, and
meaningfully.”
Since
the ship’s arrival in Gladstone, two cyclones impacted the Queensland coast
according to AMSA with the ship continuing to be waiting for repairs.
Smit
Lamnalco Australia reports six of its tugs were engaged on February 4 for a
dead ship tow. They repositioned the KMAX Leader into the anchorage.
Subsequently, the vessel left under tow, and then under the regulations, AMSA issued a 12-month ban for the ship preventing
it from entering Australian ports.
According
to Drake, international standards are “not optional.”
AMSA
issued a total of nine bans against ships mostly for maintenance issues as well
as wage violations in 2023. The pace of the bans increased compared to only two
issued in 2022 and four in 2021. Since
2020, AMSA has issued 20 bans against ships that it found unsafe or in
violation of labor regulation