Log Carrier Loses Power Leaving New Zealand’s Port of Tauranga

Updated: November 18, 2020 (Originally published July 6, 2020)

A Singapore-flagged log carrier that lost power as it departed New Zealand’s Port of Tauranga is now safely at anchor in deep water outside the harbor, maritime officials have confirmed.

Maritime New Zealand reports that the Funing-9690913 suffered an engine failure early Monday morning in the shipping channel at Port of Tauranga between Mauao (Mount Manganui) and Matakana Island.

Weather conditions at the time were poor with a 30 knot wind and significant swell.

Without power, the vessel drifted and snagged the chains holding one of the buoys marking the shipping channel. The tide and currents then pushed the vessel to the other side of the channel, where it stopped near Mauao (Mount Manganui).

Tugs were sent to the vessel’s assistance and were able to tow it to deeper water where it has now safely anchored.

There are no reports or oil or other pollution or injuries to its 20 crew.

Maritime NZ Deputy Director Safety and Response Systems, Nigel Clifford, said he hopes divers can inspect the vessel tomorrow morning, weather permitting.

The MV Funing-9690913 is bound Lanshan, China. The bulk carrier was built in 2015 and has a deadweight of 39,784 tonnes.

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