The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has banned the Marshall Islands-flagged containership Big Lilly from Australian waters for 90 days, for serious safety and maintenance issues.
from Australian waters for 90 days, for serious safety and maintenance issues.Prior to this banning, the ship was detained in Melbourne, after an AMSA port state control (PSC) inspection identified serious defects with the watertight integrity of the ship’s cargo hatches, main engine and safety equipment.
AMSA inspectors identified a long list of defects and while the seafarers onboard had taken steps to maintain the ship, they appeared to have insufficient support from the ship’s management to ensure it met minimum international standards.
These defects have resulted in an elevated risk to the health and safety of the seafarers on board, and the Australian coastal environment.
This is the second time the Big Lilly, operated by V Ships, has been detained this year, following the identification of 23 serious deficiencies in May, seven of which warranted detention.
These deficiencies were not all adequately rectified, despite an agreed rectification action plan from the operator.
