- The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) released its Inspection Report for the year 2023, revealing heavy load carriers as the poorest performing ships, with a detention rate of 16.7%.
- Offshore service vessels followed closely behind, with a detention rate of 12.5%, while general cargo/multi-purpose ships, chemical tankers, and gas carriers also featured among the top poorest performing ship types.
- Despite an improvement in detention rates, container ships still exceeded the average deficiency rate for all ship types, prompting continued focus on enforcing international standards.
- Bulk carriers, despite no longer being in the top 5 poorest performing ship types, saw a detention rate of 6.8%, indicating persistent performance challenges despite increased scrutiny.
Heavy load carriers emerged as the poorest performing ships in 2023, according to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority’s (AMSA) Inspection Report. With a detention rate of 16.7%, these vessels faced significant challenges in meeting safety and operational standards. The high detention rate underscores the need for enhanced scrutiny and regulatory measures to address issues specific to heavy load carriers.
Offshore Service Vessels and Other Poorly Performing Ship Types
Following heavy load carriers, offshore service vessels recorded a detention rate of 12.5%, indicating notable deficiencies in safety and compliance. Additionally, general cargo/multi-purpose ships, chemical tankers, and gas carriers were identified among the top poorest performing ship types. These findings emphasize the diverse range of vessels facing operational challenges and the importance of targeted interventions to improve safety standards across the maritime industry.
Container Ships: Improvement but Still Above Average
While container ships showed improvement in detention rates compared to the previous year, they remained above the average deficiency rate for all ship types. Despite efforts to enhance compliance with international standards, container ships recorded a detention rate of 6.8%. AMSA continues to prioritize enforcement measures to address deficiencies related to cargo stowage, securing, and equipment maintenance on container vessels.
Bulk Carriers: Persistent Challenges Despite Dropping from Top 5
Bulk carriers, no longer among the top 5 poorest performing ship types, still faced persistent challenges in meeting safety requirements. Despite dropping from the list, these vessels recorded a detention rate of 6.8%, indicating ongoing concerns regarding compliance and operational practices. The report highlights the need for sustained efforts to address deficiencies and improve the performance of bulk carriers.
Overall Increase in PSC Inspections and Deficiencies
The AMSA Inspection Report revealed an overall increase in Port State Control (PSC) inspections and deficiencies compared to the previous year. The total number of inspections rose by 16.3%, with a corresponding increase in deficiencies by 20.5%. This upward trend underscores the importance of rigorous oversight and regulatory enforcement to ensure maritime safety and environmental protection. Efforts to address deficiencies and enhance compliance across all ship types are critical for maintaining the integrity and reputation of the global shipping industry.
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Source: Safety4sea
