THE AUSTRALIAN Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has confirmed that heavylift/MPP AAL Genoa suffered engine failure yesterday afternoon [23 September] en route to the port of Melbourne.
Speaking to DCN, an AMSA spokesperson said the notification came at 1315 yesterday that the vessel had lost main engine power approximately 18 kilometres off Point Nepean, near the entrance to Port Phillip Bay.
AMSA advised that the vessel anchored overnight approximately 4.5 kilometres off the coast of Sorrento, with emergency towage vessel Svitzer Albatross from Geelong in attendance overnight. A second tug, Melbourne-based Tingari, also arrived on the scene to assist.
The authority said lines have been successfully attached to the 159-metre length-overall vessel by both tugs, and it is currently under tow into the Port of Melbourne.
AAL Genoa will now remain at Melbourne’s inner anchorage overnight tonight (24 September) with Svitzer Albatross standing by.
“Transfer of control of the incident to Harbour Master for Port of Melbourne from Ports Victoria will take place when the vessel enters port limits,” an AMSA spokesperson said.
AAL Genoa is a Cyprus-flagged multi-purpose vessel with 22 crew onboard, and was on route from South Africa’s Coega port to Melbourne, carrying steel beams.
Speaking to DCN, a spokesperson from Svitzer confirmed it had been activated yesterday to assist the vessel, with Svitzer Albatross arriving alongside approximately 2200 last night, and connected a tow line as a precaution while the ship was at anchor.
“Svitzer is working closely with the vessel crew, emergency and port authorities to ensure it is safely towed into Melbourne harbour during daylight hours,” a Svitzer spokesperson said.
“There may be some disruptions to regular shipping services as Svitzer supports this emergency activation and Svitzer thanks customers for their patience and understanding during this period.”
No official suggestion has yet been offered as to the cause of the engine issue/s, or as to when it might be fixed.
