Reviews & Ratings for the Gas-Kate

On February 3, 2024, the LPG tanker 'Bougainville' faced a critical incident off the coast of Melbourne, Australia, as it lost its propeller while attempting to navigate inbound from Vanuatu. This unexpected malfunction occurred during pre-arrival main engine tests, leaving the vessel drifting a few miles off Seal Rocks. In response, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) swiftly deployed an emergency vessel to assist the Bougainville. Initially, the tanker was towed to a safer location near Flinders, where it was able to anchor while awaiting more favorable weather conditions. On February 11, the vessel was securely anchored at position 38° 25.86' N 145° 16.64' E. Following these developments, reports confirm that the Bougainville was successfully moved to a sheltered anchorage in Cowes, situated south of Melbourne, by mid-week. AMSA has since deployed divers to inspect the damaged propeller, confirming that the vessel indeed sheered off its propeller. A spokesperson indicated that the repairs will be substantial, necessitating the withdrawal of the shaft. The operators and owners of the vessel are currently seeking a specialized facility capable of handling the repairs. Constructed in Japan, the Bougainville is managed locally by Oceangas and operates under charter to Geogas. Owned by Hiyoshi Shipping Co., this LPG carrier has a capacity of 5,000 cbm when fully loaded and plays a significant role in supplying LPG to Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific islands. The ongoing situation with the Bougainville underscores the challenges faced in maritime operations and the swift response required in such incidents.