The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has refused access of the Liberian-flagged container ship MSC Kymea II to Australian ports for 90 days, reports Offshore Energy.
Sub-standard performance
In particular, AMSA issued the notice following months of sub-standard performance from the ship’s operator, MSC Shipmanagement Ltd (MSC), including critical maintenance issues. The AMSA inspection of the MSC Kymea II found 21 deficiencies in total, including a defective free fall lifeboat steering system, defective fire safety systems, dangerously-stored flammable materials, and multiple wasted or missing railing safety chains used to prevent stevedores from falling from heights when lashing cargo.
Another MSC vessel inspected two weeks ago was found with a corroded fuel-oil tank air pipe, and the evidence suggests that the ship attempted to hide the seriousness of the defect from authorities by covering up the rusted pipe with canvas and painting over it.
AMSA Executive Director of Operations Michael Drake said the agency’s inspection regime has shown that MSC has failed to meet its obligations to properly maintain its vessels.
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Source: Offshore Energy
