The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has started an investigation into a propulsion failure that occurred during the pilotage of the bulk carrier FMG Nicola at Port Hedland, Western Australia, on 7 February 2025.

The investigation was not launched immediately after the incident, as the ATSB did not receive the required factual details at the time. In July 2025, the bureau received additional information about the event and made follow-up inquiries with the port authority and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority. Based on that assessment, the ATSB decided to begin a formal investigation.

The FMG Nicola, a Very Large Ore Carrier (VLOC) with a carrying capacity of 260,000 deadweight tonnes, was fully loaded and departed from its berth in Port Hedland at 1400 local time on 7 February. The ship was under the conduct of three harbour pilots and assisted by four tugs during its departure.

At 1442, one of the pilots disembarked from the ship, while the remaining two continued navigating the vessel through the harbour channel. At 1516, as the vessel approached a turn to port between beacons 31 and 32, the ship’s main engine unexpectedly shut down, resulting in a complete loss of propulsion. Due to this, the ship veered off its intended course and moved close to the side of the channel.

Port Hedland’s vessel traffic service was contacted immediately and responded by directing three additional tugs to assist the vessel.

While waiting for the additional tugs to arrive, the four existing tugs worked to stabilise the ship’s movement. At 1524, the ship’s crew successfully restarted the main engine.

The three additional tugs arrived and were secured to the vessel by 1545. The third pilot also returned to the ship via helicopter to help guide it through the remaining part of the channel.

After the situation was under control, an inspection was carried out to check for any water ingress, structural damage, or pollution. No such issues were found. At 1806, all pilots disembarked from the vessel, and FMG Nicola continued its voyage.

The ATSB has now started collecting all available evidence from the involved parties for its investigation. The bureau has stated that if any serious safety issue is identified during the investigation, it will immediately inform the ship’s operators, the port authority, and other relevant parties to ensure that appropriate safety actions are taken without delay.

The final report will be published once the investigation is complete.

Reference: ATSB

Source: www.marineinsight.com