The Singapore-flagged APL England container ship, which lost some 50 containers off Sydney in heavy weather last month, was permitted to set sail from Australia after the ship's insurer agreed to pay $22.5 million required to cover the fines and compensation costs incurred in the accident.

Before allowing the ship to sail, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) received a formal written undertaking from the ship's insurer, Steamship Mutual, to pay fines and other amounts in response to the incident related to the costs of AMSA.

AMSA investigations of APL England found insufficient lashing procedures for cargo and highly corroded securing points for containers on the deck to be the key cause of the container spill. The vessel was detained in the Brisbane Port until the necessary deficiencies were removed.

AMSA ordered the owner of APL England to search for missing containers and recover them.

AMSA investigations of APL England found insufficient lashing procedures for cargo and highly corroded securing points for containers on the deck to be the key cause of the container spill. The vessel was detained in the Brisbane Port until the necessary deficiencies were removed.

AMSA ordered the owner of APL England to search for missing containers and recover them.

“While it is unfortunate that this incident occurred in the first place, the early response by the owners and their insurers has been welcomed,” AMSA’s CEO Mick Kinley said.

The former Master of the ship, who faces several charges related to the accident, will depart the ship and be repatriated home.

Maritime Business World