A Liberian- flagged containership run by MSC Shipmanagement Ltd (MSC) has actually been outlawed from Australian ports for 90 days over a lengthy checklist of security failings as well as shortages, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) stated.
AMSA stated it provided a rejection of accessibility instructions notification to the MSC Kymea II adhering to months of sub-standard efficiency from the ship’s driver, consisting of crucial upkeep concerns.
The company’s examination of the vessel discovered 21 shortages in total amount, consisting of a malfunctioning cost-free autumn lifeboat guiding system, malfunctioning fire security systems, dangerously-stored combustible products, as well as several lost or missing out on barrier security chains utilized to avoid stevedores from dropping from elevations when lashing freight.
AMSA stated it has actually apprehended 9 MSC ships over the previous 2 years, consisting of 5 ships in 2023 alone. Many of these apprehensions revealed systemic subpar upkeep techniques aboard, the authority stated.
Another MSC vessel evaluated 2 weeks back was discovered with a rusty fuel-oil container air pipeline, as well as the proof recommends that the ship tried to conceal the severity of the issue from authorities by covering the rusted pipeline with canvas as well as paint over it.
AMSA Executive Director of Operations Michael Drake stated the company’s examination program has actually revealed that MSC has actually stopped working to fulfill its commitments to correctly preserve its vessels.
“AMSA has zero-tolerance for substandard ships operating in Australian waters and we will not hesitate to ban vessels that fail to meet basic safety standards,” he stated.
“The Australian public has an expectation that ships operating in Australian waters meet or exceed the minimum international standards for safety and environmental protection. Ships should be on notice that this kind of repeated poor performance is not acceptable, and Australia will take action.”
