Crew Reviews, Ratings & Info for Maria-Jose

A recent report has shed light on the incident involving the cargo ship 'Kota Bahagia,' which suffered a significant fire on December 18, 2022, at Napier Port while unloading wind turbine components. The investigation pointed to a lack of clarity surrounding the ship master’s authority, which may have contributed to the devastating blaze that lasted for an entire week. At the time of the incident, local port officials were convening for their annual meeting at the Napier War Memorial Centre, located less than a kilometer away, but were unfortunately unaware of the unfolding emergency. Thick, black smoke prompted urgent advisories to nearby residents in Bluff Hill, cautioning them to keep their windows and doors shut due to the potential release of harmful fumes. Fortunately, despite the severity of the situation, no serious injuries were reported among the four shore-based workers who were conducting gas-cutting operations in the hold to release cargo braces. The Transport Accident Investigation Commission’s final report indicates that molten debris from the gas-cutting likely ignited surrounding dry sawdust, sparking a smoldering fire that subsequently spread to polyvinyl-chloride tarpaulins and other flammable materials associated with the fibreglass cargo. The ship’s crew failed to implement all necessary hot-work safety measures, a critical oversight. As a result, the report made two key recommendations, including a directive for Pacific International Lines, the ship's operator, to reinforce the adherence to safety protocols outlined in its Safety and Emergency Manual across its fleet.

On December 18, 2020, the Kota Bahagia encountered a catastrophic fire while docked at Higgins & Geddis Wharves in Napier Port. The intense blaze caused significant structural damage, twisting the steel of the vessel. As for its future at the port, officials have yet to provide a timeline for the ship's departure. Immediately following the incident, local cargo has been successfully unloaded, while the ship owner and cargo proprietors are coordinating the removal of the remaining goods. Ongoing investigations by the Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) and Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) are underway to assess the incident. The Classification Society Lloyds has been tasked with evaluating the seaworthiness of the Kota Bahagia on behalf of the ship's owner. For more visual details and updates, you can check out the report with photos here: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/massive-damage-to-inside-of-ship-that-caught-fire-in-napier-port-revealed/SPZR2GNY64LBS7GUHK6HRIXEXI/

On December 24, the hold of the 'Kota Bahagia' was accessed by investigators and Fire and Emergency New Zealand following a period of cooling. The intense incident saw a dedicated team of 12 crew members working tirelessly to extinguish the blaze. In a strategic move, the vessel was relocated within the port to facilitate further firefighting efforts and investigations. The Transport Accident Investigation Commission has officially commenced an inquiry to delve into the causes and circumstances surrounding the fire, with further evaluations expected to continue over the coming days.