Australia Imposes 180-Day Ban on Cargo Ship for Unsafe Operations

The Australia Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has imposed its fourth ban this year on a cargo ship due to “unsafe cargo operations,” preventing it from entering Australian ports. The Dutch-flagged general cargo ship, Marsgracht, operated by Spliethoff, was issued a 180-day ban for improper stowage of dangerous goods during a port state inspection at Port Alma. This marks the second detention of the vessel in Australia, with AMSA citing systemic failures in the ship’s safety management system and a lack of effective remedial action.

AMSA’s enforcement action aims to send a strong message to operators that safety risks and threats to the marine environment will not be tolerated in Australia. The agency has identified a broader pattern of non-compliance and poor performance by Spliethoff, leading to multiple detentions since July 2022 for failing to comply with the code for stowage of dangerous goods. As a result, all Spliethoff-operated ships are subject to inspection every three months in Australia to ensure ongoing compliance with safety standards.

Executive Director of Operations Michael Drake emphasized AMSA’s commitment to maritime safety and swift action against unsafe ships, owners, and operators. The agency stresses the importance of compliance with international standards to protect the lives of seafarers and the marine environment. In the first half of 2024, AMSA has banned a total of four vessels from Australian ports for various safety violations, a decrease from the nine bans issued in 2023.

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