Australia Bans Indian flagged cargo ship for 180 Days due to repeated safety risks

The AMSA says the operator, Anglo-Eastern Ship Management (India), repeatedly failed to report serious defects to the main engine and machinery as the ship entered Australian ports.

AMSA inspectors boarded the ship on April 26 at the Port of Melbourne and found multiple maintenance issues, including defective engine control and monitoring systems, faulty alarm monitoring system, defective generator starting arrangements, and a safety management system that failed to ensure proper maintenance and reporting of defects. AMSA was informed that the operator had been notified of “serious safety concerns” before arriving in Australia.

Michael Drake, Executive Director of Operations at AMSA, warns that neglecting ship engine maintenance can pose significant risks to the marine environment and crew safety. In such situation, the ships might power during critical navigation, leading to potential groundings or collisions.

“The fact that this operator knew about these defects and did not report them to AMSA is appalling and deserving of a 180-day ban, “said Drake. Moreover, he said  “This was a clear attempt to conceal serious defects to Australian authorities and demonstrates a disregard for the safety of the ship, its crew and the marine environment.”

Drake added that AMSA has observed an increase in main engine defects and is taking action against substandard vessels. In November 2022, Marine Notice 10/2022 was issued to ensure ship operators are aware of their responsibilities. “If Anglo Eastern had complied with its obligations and reported the defects, AMSA would not have detained the vessel under port State control procedures. We would have worked with the operator constructively and pragmatically to ensure the ship was safe and met convention requirements,” Drake said.