A significant proportion of the fixed cargo securing devices on the deck of APL England were in poor condition. The heavy wastage of the devices significantly reduced their load carrying capacity and compromised the effective securing of cargo.
The ATSB acknowledges the repairs that were undertaken to restore the integrity of the vessel’s cargo securing devices. However, the ATSB also notes that, on departure from the shipyard, DNV-GL imposed a condition of class on the vessel in relation to the continued deteriorated condition of deck fittings. The condition noted that: 'Numerous corroded or thinned (components) were repaired...but still numerous corroded or thinned attached plates were not completely repaired due to time limited.'
As such, the safety issue is considered to have been partially addressed.
APL notified the ATSB that upon departing Australia, APL England sailed to a shipyard in Zhoushan (China) for assessment and repairs. The vessel remained in the shipyard for 30 days undergoing repairs, including replacement of the cell guides in bay 62.
Inspections by authorities confirmed the repairs and the ship was deemed seaworthy in September 2020.
Deck and container fittings in all other vessels in the APL fleet were inspected with some repairs required.
