THE AUSTRALIAN Maritime Safety Authority has detained Hoegh Trooper, which caught fire at Port of Melbourne on the weekend.
Norwegian-flagged ro-ro carrier Hoegh Trooper (IMO:9075711) was at berth on Saturday evening (18 February) when a fire broke out in the engine room.
An AMSA spokesperson told DCN the maritime safety regulator has launched an investigation into the incident.
“AMSA can confirm the fire was extinguished and there were no injuries arising from the incident,” the spokesperson said.
“AMSA is responsible for monitoring the safety of foreign vessels in Australian waters and has detained the vessel in port until its seaworthiness and safety has been restored.
“AMSA is investigating the cause of the fire and will monitor the wellbeing of the crew while the vessel is detained.”
“As the investigation is underway, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.”
The Maritime Union of Australia, which yesterday accused Linx Cargo Care Group of leaving a worker on board as the ship was evacuated, said the fire had rendered the ship inoperable.
According to the MUA, tug crews and shore-based firefighters were on the scene to extinguish the fire.
It said the International Transport Workers’ Federation is also monitoring the welfare of crew while the ship is repaired.
