Gas-Kate

Australian officials were monitoring the situation of the 'Bougainville' near Melbourne after it lost its propeller and was unable to navigate inbound from Vanuatu on Feb 3, 2024. The vessel sheered off its propeller when it was conducting pre-arrival main engine testing. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) sent an emergency vessel to assist the LPG tanker which was drifting just a few miles off Seal Rocks. They initially towed the vessel to a safer position near Flinders where it was able to anchor and wait for more favourable weather conditions. On Feb 11 the ship was anchored in pos. 38° 25.86' N 145° 16.64' E. Report with video: https://maritime-executive.com/article/lpg-carrier-towed-to-safe-anchorage-after-losing-propeller The Bougainville was towed at mid-week arriving in the more sheltered anchorage at Cowes south of Melbourne. AMSA reports that divers were sent down and confirmed that the vessel had in fact sheered off its propeller, telling the newspaper repairs will be extensive as they will have to withdraw the shaft. According to the spokesperson, the ship’s operators and owner are currently looking for a facility capable of undertaking the work. The ship was built in Japan and owned by the Hiyoshi Shipping Co. She operates under charter to Geogas and is managed locally in Australia by Oceangas. The reports indicate she is loaded with LPG and if full has a capacity for 5,000 cbm. She is one of several gas carriers used to supply Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific islands.