TAIC Pushes for Stricter Maritime Safety Laws After Shilings Incidents
Wellington, New Zealand — June 13, 2025
New Zealand’s Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) is advocating for legislative reforms that would enable authorities to bar substandard foreign-flagged vessels from entering or operating in New Zealand’s maritime zones. The recommendation follows TAIC's final report on the Shiling, a container ship that suffered two major mechanical failures in 2023, raising alarm over the adequacy of global maritime regulatory enforcement.
The Shiling, a vessel with a known history of deficiencies, suffered a complete electrical blackout in April 2023 while navigating out of Wellington Harbour. It narrowly avoided grounding thanks to quick crew action and harbour tugs. A second breakdown occurred just weeks later while the vessel was at sea, prompting a Mayday distress call and another emergency tow.
TAIC’s investigation revealed severely deteriorated safety systems onboard the Shiling, including cracked generator components and worn-out water ingress barriers, despite the vessel holding all required classification and statutory certifications. These findings reignited long-standing concerns about regulatory loopholes exploited by substandard ships, many of which operate under flags of convenience.
A Ship Unfit for the Sea
Chief Investigator Naveen Kozhuppakalam stated that the Shiling was not seaworthy during its time in New Zealand waters, pointing out long-neglected maintenance issues that compromised onboard safety. Critical systems, including lubrication and power supply, were either malfunctioning or in poor condition.
“The vessel’s safety-critical equipment was far below acceptable standards,” Kozhuppakalam noted. “It’s extremely concerning that this vessel passed international inspections.”
TAIC's report emphasized that while the Shiling was flying the flag of Panama, it continued to hold valid documents that should have guaranteed minimum safety compliance. The incident has prompted calls for stricter scrutiny of foreign-flagged vessels visiting New Zealand ports.
Policy Gaps & International Oversight Issues
New Zealand currently lacks the legal framework to proactively bar substandard ships from its waters, relying instead on post-incident detentions. TAIC is recommending that Maritime New Zealand be granted powers similar to those of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), which can pre-emptively ban vessels deemed unsafe.
Additionally, TAIC criticized the ability of shipowners to outsource operations and maintenance to third parties without proper oversight. The Commission also flagged global issues in how foreign-flagged ships are certified and monitored, calling for international action via the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Tow-Salvage Preparedness Also Under Scrutiny
Beyond the condition of vessels, TAIC raised concerns about New Zealand’s limited towage and emergency response capabilities. The Shiling was fortunate to have been towed by a vessel that happened to be nearby at the time, but this cannot be relied upon in future emergencies.
“A robust maritime emergency response strategy, including a permanent salvage tug, is critical for safeguarding New Zealand’s coastal waters,” TAIC recommended.
While the government has temporarily contracted an open-ocean tug until June 2026, TAIC emphasized the need for a long-term investment in emergency maritime infrastructure.
The Shiling case is emblematic of a larger global issue. The IMO’s Legal Committee recently acknowledged the rise in substandard shipping practices, often involving aged vessels operating under flags of convenience to evade stricter regulations. These vessels increase the risk of environmental damage, threaten crew safety, and distort fair competition in the maritime industry.
Key Takeaways and Recommendations
-
TAIC calls for legislation allowing Maritime New Zealand to ban substandard foreign vessels from national waters.
-
Systemic failures in inspection and maintenance allowed the Shiling to operate despite safety-critical issues.
-
Maritime emergency response infrastructure must be upgraded to handle future incidents.
-
International regulatory cooperation is needed to close loopholes that allow unsafe ships to remain in circulation.
