Regulators have banned a third Briese Heavylift vessel from entering Australian waters in less than six months.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has issued a 90-day ban on the Antigua & Barbuda-flagged 2008-built multipurpose vessel BBC Jade after an inspection revealed 57 tons of explosive substances had been incorrectly stowed on board during transit.
after an inspection revealed 57 tons of explosive substances had been incorrectly stowed on board during transit.AMSA reiterated Briese Heavylift has had a history of poor performance, with multiple warnings issued that “future safety violations would lead to strict enforcement action”.
In June, the safety watchdog issued the 2012-built BBC Weser (pictured) with a 90-day ban after its inspectors found the vessel was in an unsafe and unseaworthy condition.
The 2006-built MPP BBC Pearl was also banned for 180 days the following month for multiple failures of its safety management system.
Acting AMSA executive director of operations Evan Boyle said that this breach, coupled with the ongoing poor performance of the operator, meant that a ban was necessary.
“Seafarers, and the Australian community, should feel confident that explosive substances are transported safely,” he said, adding: “Australian companies which are shipping dangerous cargos such as explosives to Australia may wish to exercise further diligence in whose vessels they engage to carry them. This is a serious maritime safety issue, as well as a major environmental concern, and not something that should be taken lightly.”
Additional safety violations on board the BBC Jade had also been identified by Antigua & Barbuda Flag State Control and are currently in the process of being rectified, AMSA noted.
