The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has banned the Papua New Guinea - flagged cargo ship Kiunga Chief from entering or using Australian ports for three months after 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.
An official direction banning Kiunga Chief from Australian ports was issued by AMSA to the master this afternoon in the Port of Brisbane. The ship has now gone to an anchorage within the port to undergo an inspection by its class society, before it continues its voyage. The three month ban will take effect once the vessel leaves the port. Kiunga Chief has been issued a total of 79 deficiencies by AMSA b etween 14 August 2 015 and 29 May 2017.