ATSB Investigates FMG Nicola Engine Failure at Port Hedland

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has opened an investigation into a propulsion failure involving the bulk carrier FMG Nicola, which took place at Port Hedland, Western Australia, in February 2025.

Initially, the ATSB did not begin an investigation because, as it explained, “reportable factual details about the incident were not provided to the ATSB.” It wasn’t until July 2025, after receiving further information, that the agency followed up with both the port authority and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), prompting the investigation.

According to the ATSB’s preliminary findings, the FMG Nicola—a fully loaded Very Large Ore Carrier (VLOC) with a deadweight capacity of 260,000 tonnes—left its berth at 1400 local time on February 7, under the guidance of three harbor pilots and with assistance from four tugs. At 1442, one pilot disembarked while the remaining two continued to guide the vessel through the channel.

At approximately 1516, as the vessel was navigating a port turn between beacons 31 and 32, its main engine suddenly shut down, resulting in a total loss of propulsion. The ship deviated from its intended course and came dangerously close to the channel edge. Port Hedland’s vessel traffic service was alerted immediately and ordered three more tugs to assist the vessel.

While waiting for the additional tugs to arrive, the existing tugs managed to slow and control the vessel’s drift. The engine was restarted at 1524, roughly eight minutes after the failure. By 1545, the additional tugs had arrived and secured to the ship, and the third pilot returned via helicopter to support the rest of the transit through the channel.

An inspection followed the incident to check for hull damage, pollution, or water ingress. No concerns were found, and the vessel resumed its voyage at 1806 after the pilots disembarked.

The ATSB has begun gathering documentation and testimony from relevant stakeholders. The bureau emphasized that “should a critical safety issue be identified at any time during the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify the operators of the ship and the port, and other relevant parties so that appropriate and timely safety action can be taken.”

A final report will be issued once the investigation has been completed.