Kiunga Chief

Responding to questions from Loop PNG on actions taken following the ban announced by the Australia Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), Consort General Manager, Stuart Craker, said all deficiencies have been addressed as and when they arise.

However, he did say that the company is working on improving its safety management system, which AMSA identified as needed improvement.

“There are no known deficiencies on board. As with any large vessels, technical issues arise regularly and are dealt with by the crew and the shore team.

In a statement last week, Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) implemented the ban after an inspection of the ship revealed over 70 deficiencies.

AMSA said the ship was detained for a third time in less than 18 months due to the failure of its operators to safely and effectively manage the operations of the vessel.

On June 5^th, an official direction banning Kiunga Chief was issued at the Port of Brisbane where it has gone into anchorage to undergo an inspection by AMSA’s class society, before it continues its voyage.