Shipping line suspended in wake of ship sinking

CEBU CITY, Philippines—The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) has suspended the operation of Trans-Asia Shipping Lines Inc. (Tasli) following the sinking of one of its vessels, the MV Asia Malaysia, off Calabaza Island in Ajuy, Iloilo.

Administrator Emerson M. Lorenzo ordered the suspension on Monday, pending inspection of the remaining eight passenger vessels and one cargo vessel of Trans Asia, Marina said in a statement.

In his order, Lorenzo said Trans Asia needs to undergo International Safety Management Code audit and re-inspection to be conducted by the Marina regional office in Central Visayas, in coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard.

Aside from MV Asia Malaysia, Trans Asia’s vessels are MV Asia Indonesia, MC Asia Japan, MV Asia Philippines, MV Asia China, MV Trans Asia, MV Trans Asia 2, MV Trans Asia 3, MV Trans Asia 5 and the cargo vessel MV Asia Pacific.

Jose Cabatingan, information officer of Marina’s Region 7 office, said a team has been formed for the inspection of the Trans Asia vessels, which might start on Wednesday.

Lorenzo also threatened to suspend or revoke the company’s Certificate of Public Convenience.

“Marina also directed Trans Asia to explain and show-cause in writing within 72 hours from receipt why the Certificate of Public Convenience of the company shall not be suspended or revoked for its failure to comply with the operational and safety standards for vessels set by applicable conventions and regulations resulting in the above incident,” the statement said.

The hearing of the show-cause order is set on August 5 at the Marina office in Cebu City.