Australian government officials have turned around a huge shipment of Teslas and sent them back to China due to a “biological hazard” aboard a giant vehicle transport ship.
The Glovis Caravel, which is said to be carrying the US EV giant's Model Y SUV for several months, has been circling off the coast of Brisbane since October 22 as crews fought to decontaminate the cargo ship.
But after weeks of trying to decontaminate the ship, the ship has now been denied permission to dock and offload in Australia and has been sent back to Shanghai with most of its cargo still on board.
Neither Tesla nor authorities have shed light on what exactly the biological hazard is, but persistent rumors persist that the ship is plagued by stink bugs.
Thousands of affected Tesla buyers have been told their already delayed deliveries have been suspended indefinitely while the company tries to find a solution.
Australian government officials have sent a huge shipment of Teslas back to China due to an insect infestation aboard a giant transport ship
The Glovis Caravel has been circling off the coast of Brisbane since October 22 as its crew fought to decontaminate the ship and eradicate an infestation of stink bugs.
Tesla warned that customers may have to wait for the next production run before they can get their new cars – with prices starting around $70,000 for a base Model Y.
In an email from Daily Mail Australia, buyers were told the ship has been refused entry into Australia by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
'[It] is required to return to Shanghai for further processing before re-entering an Australian port,” the email said.
“We are actively investigating all available options to get your Model Y to you as quickly as possible.
'This may involve reallocating your order to a vehicle from the next production batch. Further details will be provided in the coming week.”
It added: 'Thank you again for your patience, we understand this has been a disappointing experience.
'However, we would like to reassure you that we are doing everything we can to minimize the impact on you.'
Customers have reacted furiously to the blow online.
“My wife just got a Glovis Caravel update from Tesla. Woman not happy. Wish me luck,” said a weary husband.
“Is Glovis Caravel really going back to China?” another added incredulously.
'What's actually going on with Glovis Caravel? Why is it taking so long to resolve the issue and leave Brisbane?
“Really… how long will it take? Does this mean our car has been treated with disinfectant several times?'
The ship is now sailing back to China and is expected to arrive in Shanghai on January 2 for further fumigation treatments before it can attempt to return to Brisbane.
One customer said Tesla told him the delay was caused by “seeds and a biohazard” on board the ship, with deliveries now pushed back five months to March.
Those with a Model Y (pictured) on board say they have been told there is no other way they can get their new car faster than to wait for the ship to return
The Glovis Caravel will now return to China and is expected to arrive in Shanghai on January 2 for further fumigation treatments before attempting to return to Brisbane
As a gesture of goodwill, it is said that the automaker will offer delayed buyers Tesla's enhanced autopilot system for six months – although only some buyers have been informed of that offer.
Those with a Model Y on board say they have been told there is no other way to get their new car faster than waiting for the ship to return.
However, several mid-range Model 3 vehicles are immediately available in Tesla showrooms.
Another Tesla delivery a year ago encountered similar problems, with a ship delayed for weeks as it battled a similar insect infestation before finally being allowed to dock, pushing back Australian deliveries from Christmas 2022 until mid-February.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Tesla and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry for comment.
Glovis Caravel was ordered to leave New Zealand in 2018 after 600 stink bugs were found on board while the ship was anchored in Auckland.