SWIFT HANGZHOU
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Troubled bulk carrier anchored off Gladstone
On Feb 24, the AMSA, Australia’s maritime safety regulator has detained the 'Swift Hangzhou', after completing a 24-day emergency response operation in the Coral Sea. The operation prevented potential environmental and navigational risks near the Great Barrier Reef, one of the world’s most sensitive marine ecosystems. The vessel had suffered engine failure on 1 February 2026, prompting an immediate response from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). The AMSA activated emergency response arrangements immediately. The operation lasted 24 days due to the technical complexity of the engine failure and prevailing weather conditions. The vessel has anchored off Gladstone on Feb 23. As of March 2, it remained stationary in pos. 23° 51' S 151° 38' E.
Engine failure in Coral Sea
The 'Swift Hangzhou', carrying about 79,000 tonnes of coal has been stranded off the Queensland coast after suffering engine failure 12 days ago in the Coral Sea. The bulk carrier Lhad left the Gladstone Port with 21 crew members on-board on Jan 31, 2026, bound for South Korea. Less than 24 hours later it ran into difficulties near the Cato Reef. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority has activated an Incident Management Team on Feb 2 to co-ordinate a response and was working closely with Martime Safety Queensland, the vessel’s captain and operator. Four emergency towing vessels and a Maritime Casualty Officer have been deployed to the ship to ensure it remained clear of navigation hazards. The MCO provided on-the-ground intelligence and assisedt the captain and AMSA in determining the best course of action. “The vessel was assessed as safe in its current position. The AMSA was closely monitoring for any potential risks of movement towards nearby reef systems and forecast weather conditions. The crew on-board were safe and well. The AMSA continued to assess operational and safety risks to implement plans to support safety of crew and protection of marine environment and is working closely with the relevant Queensland authorities. As of Feb 12, the ship was in pos. 24° 20' S 155° 14' E with the offsohore tug 'Reef Keeper' (IMO: 9568976) nearby. On Feb 19, the tug 'SL Lulu' (IMO: IMO 9795787) was on standby near the bulk carrier, which was showing its status as 'Restricted Movement' in pos. 25° 58' S 156° 14' E. The bulk carrier regained speed on Feb 22 and proceeded towards Gladstone, where it anchored in pos. 23° 51' S 151° 38' E on Feb 23. Report with photos: https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/coal-carrier-swift-hangzhou-stranded-off-queensland-coast-in-coral-sea-after-engine-failure/news-story/151e7bfc9d0cc5220bc486fc4486f91c
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