A CHINESE-owned bulk carrier that suffered main engine failure in the Coral Sea late last month has been detained by AMSA after arriving at Gladstone anchorage following a 24-day response and recovery operation.
The 79,343 DWT Liberia-flagged Swift Hangzhou, built in 2015 and registered to Tianjin Leshui3 Leasing Ltd of Guangzhou, and managed by Everest Shipping Pte Ltd of Singapore, left Gladstone on 31 January for South Korea but reported engine issues shortly after departure.
AMSA activated an Incident Management Team (IMT) on Monday 2 February to manage and coordinate a resolution to the incident, working with Queensland authorities, the vessel’s captain and operator. At the time the ship was some 500km east of the coast, in the vicinity of Cato Reef.
During the 24-day response, AMSA deployed multiple tugs to prevent the vessel drifting into sensitive areas of the Great Barrier Reef and surrounding marine park. AMSA also dispatched a Maritime Casualty Officer to board the vessel, inspect the engine failure, and provide expert, on-the-ground advice to both the captain and AMSA.
AMSA maintained round the clock monitoring of the vessel’s position and prevailing weather conditions to prevent risk to safety and marine environment. The response was coordinated closely with Queensland authorities, including Maritime Safety Queensland and Great Barrier Reef Marine Park agencies.
Crew welfare remained a priority throughout the operation, with AMSA conducting daily checks with the vessel’s captain to ensure adequate provisions and crew support.
“As of Monday [24 February 2026], Swift Hangzhou is safely at anchorage in Gladstone, Queensland. AMSA has now detained the vessel for seaworthiness,” the Authority told DCN.
Alex Barrell, AMSA Executive Director Response, praised the efforts in achieving the outcome. “This incident is a reminder that the unexpected in maritime work can happen at any point in a vessel’s voyage.
“In the case of Swift Hangzhou’s engine failure, AMSA’s approach in managing the incident prevented risk to vessel, crew and marine environment. AMSA’s response was also informed by our stakeholders, the vessel captain and company who engaged with us.
“I commend everyone involved in achieving this outcome, particularly AMSA staff who worked tirelessly 24/7 to keep communication, responsiveness and planning going. AMSA’s vision is safe and clean seas, saving lives and this is what our people do, day in, day out, with a sense of pride and commitment.”