New Zealand’s Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) has urged the government to ban substandard ships from entering its waters. This follows a detailed investigation into the container ship Shiling, which suffered two major breakdowns and required emergency towing in 2023.
Shiling: A History of Failures
Shiling faced two serious incidents within a month. On 15 April 2023, it lost power while leaving Wellington and narrowly avoided grounding. On 12 May, it suffered another engine failure in the Tasman Sea due to bilge water contamination, forcing the crew to send a Mayday call.
Unsafe Systems and Poor Maintenance
TAIC found several safety-critical systems on board were deteriorated. Despite holding valid certificates, the ship had a cracked cylinder liner, aged rubber diaphragms, and had likely gone years without proper inspection. The Commission concluded the Shiling was “virtually certain” to have been unseaworthy while in New Zealand.
Call for Stronger Laws and Bans
TAIC recommended the Ministry of Transport give Maritime New Zealand legal authority to ban unsafe ships. It pointed to Australia’s existing powers in this area as a model and highlighted the risks substandard vessels pose to crews, contractors, and the coastal environment.
Urgent Need for Tow and Salvage Improvements
The lack of reliable emergency tow vessels is another concern. The Shiling was lucky— a suitable tug was nearby. TAIC urged the government to continue investing in a national towing and salvage strategy, beyond the current open-ocean tug contracted until 2026.
Regulatory Gaps in Global Shipping Oversight
TAIC also raised concerns about international shipping oversight. It criticized how shipowners often pass safety responsibilities to third parties without facing consequences and asked Maritime New Zealand to push for reforms at the International Maritime Organization.
TAIC’s investigation into the Shiling highlights serious safety flaws in global maritime regulation and New Zealand’s response capability. Its recommendations aim to prevent future accidents and protect both maritime workers and the coastal environment
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Source: Transport Accident Investigation Commission
