A livestock vessel has been directed to return Darwin Port and discharge its crew and livestock after experiencing a fire in its engine room.

The fire was reported aboard the Brahman Express soon after it departed from Darwin Port carrying 3600 cattle destined for Indoneisa at 12:25pm Wednesday.

The fire was extinguished promptly with no injuries to crew or livestock.

Authorities have reported the ship had sufficient feed on board and there were no animal welfare concerns, with livestock decks and systems not affected by the incident.

Yesterday evening the Australian Maritime Safety Authority issued a notice under the Navigation Act directing the ship to proceed to the nearest available wharf in Darwin to discharge the livestock.

A spokesperson for AMSA said it is working with the Port of Darwin, the ship’s master, the operator, and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) to ensure that the vessel, crew and livestock are safe. 

 “Work is continuing to restore sevices to the vessel and authorities have said it will proceed alongside once the issues have been resolved.”

In May the Nine Eagle livestock carrier was ordered to be unloaded six days after it experienced mechanical issues as it was about to leave Darwin for Indonesia.