Under arrest in Sydney Harbour, the Gem of Safaga bulk carrier swings on a mooring off Point Piper (picture by Sandra Lee)
Sydney Harbour has become home to a shipping eyesore with the arrest of an Indian-owned bulk carrier currently in custody off picturesque Point Piper.
The 65,163-tonne Gem of Safaga arrived in Port Kembla on November 3 and was placed under arrest.
“The ship is currently the subject of a charter dispute between a UK charterer and its owners in India,” according to a statement from the Sydney Ports Corporation. “The ship was placed under arrest in Port Kembla for the alleged non-payment of charter fees. The ship is under the control of the Federal Marshal.”
The bad news is that the Safaga, built in 1982, is expected to remain in the middle of the harbour at the Point Piper buoy until the end of November when the matter is scheduled to be heard in court.
The ship was moved under guard by two marine police officers from a working berth at Port Kembla to Sydney Harbour on November 10. It can not use berths at either Glebe Island and White Bay because the Energy Australia cable-layer is at berth and the HMAS Adelaide is being de-commissioned in preparation to be turned into an artificial reef off the NSW central coast. As well, a Maersk ship is scheduled to steam in for repairs.
The impounded vessel is 228-metres long and towers over the Manly ferry. It has been placed on a swing mooring and has become something of a maritime chicane for Sydney’s famous twilight yacht racing competitions.
“Sydney Ports has been in contact with the ship’s representatives to ensure that noise from the ship is kept to a minimum, given its proximity to residential areas.”
Yes, but what about the eyesore factor?
