Fortescue's shipping arm has introduced fleetwide engine management changes after one of its bulk carriers lost propulsion while departing Australia's busiest iron ore export port, according to a final report from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB).
The incident occurred on February 7, 2025, when the FMG Nicola, a fully laden bulk carrier, suffered an unexpected main engine shutdown while leaving Port Hedland in Western Australia. The vessel was approximately five nautical miles into outbound pilotage, under the guidance of two marine pilots and assisted by three tugs.
Pilots immediately took action to control the ship while additional tugs were mobilised and engineers worked to identify the fault. The vessel drifted along the edge of the charted shipping channel before the engine was restarted around eight minutes later. The ship was subsequently escorted clear of the channel and continued safely on its voyage to Dongjiakou, China.
Root Cause and Investigation
ATSB investigators found the shutdown was triggered by the erroneous activation of a low lubricating oil pressure emergency shutdown switch despite all engine parameters remaining normal. ATSB chief commissioner Angus Mitchell stated: “There was no evidence the ship came into contact with the sea floor, but as the ship tracked along the edge of the charted channel there was an increased risk of grounding.” The safety agency noted that a grounding could have carried “significant safety, environmental and economic implications.”
Fleetwide Corrective Actions
In response, FMG International, Fortescue's shipping arm, has:
- Upgraded testing and replacement procedures for the shutdown switches across its fleet.
- Introduced a standardised rapid-response procedure for similar engine failures.
Additionally, the Pilbara Ports Authority has updated its emergency response arrangements following the incident.
Incident Timeline
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| Departure | FMG Nicola departs Port Hedland (fully laden) |
| ~5 nmi outbound | Unexpected main engine shutdown under pilotage |
| Immediate | Pilots take control, additional tugs summoned, engineers diagnose |
| After ~8 minutes | Engine restarted |
| Shortly after | Vessel escorted clear of shipping channel, proceeds to China |
Implications for Shippers and Operators
Bulk carriers transiting Port Hedland should review their emergency propulsion procedures and ensure low oil pressure shutdown switches are properly maintained. Fortescue's fleetwide changes may set a precedent for other iron ore carriers operating in Western Australia. Shippers using Fortescue vessels should anticipate enhanced safety protocols and potential minor schedule adjustments during the rollout of new procedures.
Watch List
- ATSB may issue additional safety recommendations for the bulk carrier industry.
- Other iron ore shipping operators could adopt similar engine management upgrades.
- Pilbara Ports Authority's updated emergency response arrangements will be closely monitored by port users.
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