MORE than a year after it grounded on Carters Beach, Westport, NZ the self-propelled bulk barge Manahau remains laid up in Nelson and under Maritime NZ detention.
The Westland Mineral Sands’ subsidiary West Coast Bulk Logistics-operate barge went aground in bad weather on 31 August 2024 after dragging its anchor, before being refloated 6 September by the AFTS MMA Vision assisted by tug Kurutai. There were no injuries to the 11 Indonesian crew members and no pollution.
Manahau suffered major damage to propulsion units and was towed to Nelson, arriving 8 September.
At the time authorities said the 6,000-tonne Manahau would not be allowed to re-enter service until Maritime New Zealand, the classification society and flag state Nuie were satisfied with repairs and understood more about the cause of the vessel’s grounding.
In mid-November WMS released to findings of an internal investigation conducted by Tim Burfoot, a master mariner with 46 years’ experience in maritime operations and a former chief investigator for the Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC).
Mr. Burfoot concluded that while weather and sea conditions had been forecasted accurately and sufficient information was available to make informed navigational decisions, the grounding was ultimately avoidable. His findings indicated that better decision-making by the crew at several key points during the incident could have prevented the vessel from running aground, WMS said.
The flat-bottomed vessel, acquired by WMS from Filipino owners and converted for NZ service in Batam, arrived at Nelson 22 July 2024 to undergo final licensing and preparation for work shipping mineral sands for WMS subsidiary from West Coast Bulk Logistics from shallow-draught ports Greymouth and Westport to bulkers anchored in Buller Bay.
However, it has made further voyages and MNZ is yet to release its report into the grounding.
Late last week MNZ issued a statement, saying it the body had completed a thorough investigation and taken action.
“While we are unable to publicly discuss the specific regulatory tools used, we believe the response is proportionate given the facts of the incident, and sets the clear expectations for future compliance.
“If the vessel is towed for repairs overseas, MNZ will review any proposed voyages and towage plans before the vessel is permitted to leave Port Nelson,” a spokesperson said.
“If the operator wishes to resume service in NZ, our focus will be on supporting a safe return to the extend possible using the tools available to us, noting that we are not the vessel’s Flag State.
“Under international law this means Niue hold primary legal jurisdiction over the vessel, including responsibility for ensuring compliance with safety, environmental and labour regulations.”