The Call for Legislative Changes in New Zealand Maritime Safety

The Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) of New Zealand has raised concerns over the safety of ships operating in the country’s waters, following a series of incidents involving the containership Shiling in 2023.

The Shiling experienced two major failures within a short period, despite holding valid certificates. The first incident occurred on April 15, 2023, when the vessel suffered a complete electrical power loss while departing Wellington Harbor, leading to a rescue operation. Less than a month later, another mechanical failure required a Mayday call and rescue in the Tasman Sea.

Chief Investigator of Accidents, Naveen Kozhuppakalam, highlighted serious maintenance deficiencies on the ship, emphasizing the risks posed to various stakeholders and the environment. Following the incidents, Maritime New Zealand detained the vessel for repairs and survey before it departed for Singapore.

TAIC is now advocating for legislative changes to ban substandard ships from New Zealand waters, aiming to prevent similar incidents in the future. The Commission also identified gaps in the maritime safety framework and rescue capabilities, prompting the government to enhance emergency towing capability and address regulatory shortcomings.

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