WELLINGTON, New Zealand – June 6, 2025 — New Zealand maritime authorities are calling for a nationwide ban on substandard vessels following the release of a damning investigation into the 2023 mechanical failures of the container ship Shiling. The Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) has urged the Ministry of Transport to empower Maritime New Zealand with legal authority to prohibit unsafe ships from entering the country’s waters.
Background: The Troubled History of the Shiling
The Singapore-registered Shiling, a 294-meter container ship built in 2005 with a capacity of 5,117 TEU, had a long-standing record of mechanical issues. Classified as a “high-risk” vessel under the Tokyo Port State Control (PSC) regime as early as 2018, the ship accumulated numerous deficiencies across international inspections.
Between 2020 and 2023, inspections in Russia, China, Chile, and New Zealand revealed a total of 35 deficiencies. Maritime New Zealand alone issued 16 deficiencies during three PSC inspections from March 2022 to March 2023. The vessel also suffered two engine failures at the Port of Wellington in 2022.
2023 Incidents: A Disaster Averted—Twice
First Incident – April 15, 2023
While under pilotage into Wellington Harbour, the Shiling experienced a blackout and engine failure, drifting dangerously close to Falcon Shoal. Quick action by the bridge team using anchors prevented grounding. The ship was towed back to port and detained for 25 days for repairs and inspections.
Second Incident – May 11, 2023
After departing Wellington for Singapore, the Shiling encountered rough seas in the Tasman Sea. Due to unpumped oily water and deteriorated rubber diaphragms, bilge water contaminated the lube oil system, causing another engine failure. The vessel rolled heavily in open waters, prompting a mayday call. It was eventually towed to safety in Golden Bay and returned to Wellington for 45 days of further repairs.
TAIC Findings and Recommendations
TAIC’s final report concluded that the Shiling was “virtually certain” to be unseaworthy during its time in New Zealand. Chief Investigator Naveen Kozhuppakalam emphasized that the vessel’s history of deficiencies should have disqualified it from operating in New Zealand waters.
The Commission recommends that New Zealand adopt a regulatory framework similar to Australia’s, where the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has the power to ban unsafe ships. TAIC believes this measure is essential to prevent future maritime disasters and protect New Zealand’s marine environment and coastal communities.
No Casualties, But a Wake-Up Call
Despite the severity of both incidents, no injuries or environmental pollution were reported among the Shiling’s 24 crew members. However, the events have sparked a national conversation about maritime safety and the need for stricter enforcement against substandard vessels.
@2024 -2025 MaritimeHub
