The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) issued a 90-day ban for the vessel BBC Jade after inspectors in Port Alma found 57 tons of incorrectly stored explosive substances.
The BBC Jade is flagged with Antigua & Barbuda.
It is the third Briese Heavylift vessel to be banned by AMSA this year following a 90-day ban for the BBC Weiser being in an unsafe and unseaworthy condition and the BBC Pearl which was banned for 180 days for multiple failures in its safety management system.
In the case of the BBC Jade Acting AMSA Executive Director of Operations Evan Boyle said the ongoing poor safety record of Briese Heavylift and the breach of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code made a ban necessary.
“Seafarers, and the Australian community, should feel confident that explosive substances are transported safely,” he said.
“Australian companies which are shipping dangerous cargos such as explosives to Australia may wish to exercise further diligence in whose vessels they engage to carry them. “
Speaking about Briese Heavylift Boyle stated: “Australia will not tolerate this ongoing and blatant disregard for maritime safety.
“We take our role as a regulator seriously, and we expect operators to take their obligations seriously, as well,” he said.
“We will not hesitate to take tough enforcement action to keep our seas, and seafarers, safe.”
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