New Zealand authorities have confirmed that the Singaporean-flagged container ship Shiling can now depart New Zealand for Singapore, as the detention order has been lifted.
The Maritime New Zealand has now lifted the detention order it previously imposed against the container ship Shiling, as it has satisfied the imposed conditions.
The ship was scheduled to leave for Singapore at about 3.30pm on July 7, in accordance with the latest information given by the New Zealand authorities.
Over the last three months, the Shiling broke down twice in and around New Zealand waters, resulting in two significant stays in Wellington, while repairs were undertaken.
While the imposed conditions have been satisfied, as the authority claims, the Shiling’s owners have agreed to have the vessel escorted by the MMA Vision, a vessel capable of emergency towage, to 200 nautical miles off New Zealand coast.
“This is an extra layer of protection to keep the crew on the vessel and New Zealand safe,” Maritime NZ’s Deputy Chief Executive, Regulatory Operations Deb Despard said.
Over the last week and a half the ship Shiling has undertaken a range of trials to show it can satisfy the necessary requirements to be released from its detention.
“These started with testing the engine alongside the berth at CentrePort, then progressing to harbour trials and finally an open sea trial south of Wellington, with a tug escort throughout.”
The trials were overseen by the vessel’s classification society and an overseas technician for the main engine manufacturer.
“These played a key role in checking the vessel for issues, and reassuring us (Maritime NZ) and other parties involved that the vessel has satisfied the conditions previously imposed, and can undertake the journey to Singapore,” Mr. Deb Despard added.
