Poavosa-Wisdom

The "Poavosa Wisdom" was detained at Avonmouth on May 20, 2018. Six deficiencies were reported during a Port State Control with six grounds for detention. The vessel was subsequently released from detention on May 24. On May 25 it left the port bound for Damietta, where it berthed at the Damietta Bulk & Grain Berths on June 8 at 6.20 p.m.

Mishandling of a fumigant by the crew of the "Poavosa Wisdom" was believed to have sparked the chemical reaction that closed Port Taranaki on Jan 20 afternoon. Aluminium phosphide, bundled in a sausage form, was dragged across the ship's deck in the rain. A toxic gas was omitted when the chemical - used to fumigate the wheat on board - reacted with the water. Maritime New Zealand was investigating the incident. The chemical reaction that closed the port is sparking calls for the Government to knuckle down on ships entering NZ waters as international crew weren't specifically trained to handle the chemical used to treat the wheat aboard the ship.

Drums of a toxic chemical that sparked the evacuation of Port Taranaki were to be taken away on Jan 21 if it was safe to do so. It was initially thought a fire broke out on board but it turned out to be the fumigant, which reacted with water. Getting the drums out was difficult and they were taken to a safe part of the port for the night by the fire brigade which had considered much wider evacuations. Readings with the photoionization detector on Jan 21 morning was to help tell if it was safe to dispose of the drums. The Port Taranaki was given clearance to re-open around 7:30 p.m. to resume normal operations after the drum of aluminium phosphide was removed from the vessel to a safe storage and there is no further risk to staff.