The Spirit of Tasmania I has been detained by Singapore maritime authorities over multiple safety concerns.
Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) Port State Control has held the ferry from its scheduled departure while inspectors work through issues that must be fixed before it can leave port, Pulse understands.
Ferry operator TT-Line described the problems as “minor” but did not say what specific issues had been identified.
The state-owned company was also unable to say when the ship would be cleared to sail.
The MPA told Pulse the detention was due to deficiencies in the fire detection system and visitor log.
It is understood the vessel was detained yesterday. Government surveyors boarded the vessel at 9am this morning (11am AEST) to carry out checks.
The hold-up is expected to delay the ferry’s return to the key Bass Strait route, which carries passengers and freight between the mainland and Tasmania.
The Spirit of Tasmania I is one of two ships servicing the crossing. It had been undergoing maintenance in Singapore ahead of its planned return to Australian waters.
How long it will remain detained is still unclear. TT-Line has been contacted for further comment.
