Australian authorities have detained the 79,343 dwt bulk carrier Swift Hangzhou following a 24-day emergency response operation triggered by engine failure.
The Liberia-flagged vessel, built in 2015 and managed by a Chinese operator, sailed from Gladstone on January 31 bound for South Korea. Within hours of departure, the crew reported serious engine problems, leaving the vessel at risk of drifting in environmentally sensitive waters near the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) launched a coordinated response involving Queensland state authorities, the vessel’s master and operator.
Authorities deployed four emergency towing vessels to prevent the bulker from drifting toward reef systems and restricted marine areas. AMSA maintained round-the-clock monitoring of the ship’s position and weather conditions for the duration of the incident. The primary concerns were safety of the 21 crew members onboard and revention of grounding near the Great Barrier Reef.
After nearly three and a half weeks under supervision, the vessel was secured at the Gladstone anchorage on February 24, allowing AMSA to conclude its continuous emergency response operation.
Despite the stabilization of the situation, AMSA has issued a detention order citing seaworthiness deficiencies. The vessel must complete verified repairs and demonstrate full operational reliability before it will be permitted to sail again.
