AMSA Bans Containership for 90 Days After Inspection Reveals Safety Concerns

The Australian Maritime and Safety Authority (AMSA) has imposed its seventh ban of the year on a small containership named “BIG LILLY.” The vessel has been prohibited from Australian waters for 90 days due to various safety and maintenance issues.

The “BIG LILLY” is a small containership constructed in 1999. It has a 23,000 deadweight tonnage (dwt) and a 1,730 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) capacity.

Upon the vessel’s arrival in Melbourne, it underwent inspection by the Port State Control, leading to its detention. The inspection uncovered defects in the watertight integrity of the ship’s cargo hatches, including the presence of holes. Additionally, issues were identified with the main engine and the ship’s safety equipment. AMSA documented a leak in the engine room and unapproved modifications as well.

This incident marks the second detention of the “BIG LILLY” this year, following a previous detainment in June, during which 23 deficiencies were discovered. These deficiencies included safety and maintenance concerns related to the main engine’s propulsion system and the ship’s sewage system.

AMSA has acknowledged the crew’s efforts to maintain the vessel but noted that the lack of support from the ship’s operator hampered them. V Ships Greece, the operator in question, has a detention rate of 16%, significantly higher than the average of 6% for other overseas ship operators. Consequently, AMSA has placed V Ships Greece on a watchlist, meaning that any of their ships are liable to be inspected at a greater frequency. The AMSA has also served the operator notice to take positive steps to bring their ships up to the standard.