AMSA bans third ship from poor-performing operator

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has issued its third ban from Australian waters to a Briese Heavylift ship this year.

AMSA issued the 90-day ban to the Antigua and Barbuda-flagged general cargo ship BBC Jade, after inspectors in Port Alma found 57 tonnes of explosive substances had been incorrectly stowed on board the vessel during transit.

​The International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code outlines the minimum international standards for the maritime transport of dangerous goods, in order to ensure their safe carriage and to prevent potential pollution incidents.

In June, AMSA issued BBC Weser with a 90-day ban after its inspectors determined the vessel was in an unsafe and unseaworthy condition.

​BBC Pearl was banned for 180 days the following month for multiple failures of its safety management system.

​Briese Heavylift has a history of poor performance, and AMSA has issued multiple warnings that future safety violations would lead to strict enforcement action.

​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.

​Mr Boyle added that the repeated safety concerns on board Briese Heavylift vessels were alarming.

​Additional safety violations on board BBC Jade had also been identified by Antigua and Barbuda Flag State Control and are currently in the process of being rectified.