THE Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) issued its seventh ban against a ship in 2023 as they continue strict enforcement of safety and crew welfare protocols, reports Fort Lauderdale's Maritime Executive.
With an increased focus on maintenance, the safety authority noted that it is the third ban issued this year specifically for defects with the watertight integrity of the ship's cargo hatches including holes and metal wastage, as well as problems with the main engine and safety equipment.
The vessel is the Marshall Islands-flagged 1,730-TEU Big Lilly, built in 1999, the vessel has changed ownership many times.
"There is no excuse for not maintaining your vessel," said AMSA executive drector Michael Drake.
"It is difficult for the crews to improve the condition when operating on such a tight schedules. Operators of vessels must understand that maintaining their vessels is their responsibility and failing to do so can result in serious consequences."
This is the second time the Big Lilly has been detained this year AMSA highlights, noting in May the identification of 23 serious deficiencies, seven of which warranted detention. These included issues of fire safety maintenance, issues with the propulsion main engine, and the sewage system.
AMSA notes that the June detention ended with an agreed rectification action plan from the operator. However, they found this time that despite the crew's efforts at maintenance "they appeared to have insufficient support from the ship's management to ensure it met minimum international standards."
As a result, the vessel is now banned from Australian ports and waters for 90 days. It is currently sailing for Shanghai. The vessel has a long list of identified problems on prior port inspections between 2013 and 2018 under previous owners.
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