AMSA Revokes Certificate for Unstable Livestock Carrier

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has revoked the Australian Certificate for the Carriage of Livestock (ACCL) for the Panamanian flagged livestock carrier, MV Jawan, because the vessel’s approved stability data cannot be relied upon when the vessel is loaded.

The Jawan was (again) scheduled to depart from Portland on a journey from Australia to Pakistan on Monday after the vessel’s classification society Bureau Veritas, on behalf of the flag state, provided their assessment of the ship’s stability.

However, when moved from berth, the ship demonstrated a motion that suggested the ship lacked stability. The master of the vessel requested the vessel be returned to the berth. 

AMSA’s Chief Executive Officer, Mick Kinley, said that revoking the ACCL was considered the only option given the circumstances. “It is extremely concerning that the operators are unable determine the vessel’s stability in a loaded condition since its recent dry-docking, and the operator and classification society seem unable to provide a plausible explanation for this situation. It’s a very basic requirement,” Kinley said.

AMSA expects the vessel will be subject to a detailed examination by the operator and classification society. This may include an inclining experiment to fully determine the vessel’s condition and why the current data cannot be relied upon.

The incident follows two failed attempts for the vessel to depart with livestock on board last month. The vessel had been attempting to leave the Port of Portland, Victoria, Australia, with 4,327 cattle on board. After the first failed attempt, 380 cattle were unloaded, but again the vessel suffered stability issues. The full consignment of cattle was subsequently unloaded.