Australian government officials have turned around a huge shipment of Teslas and sent it back to China over a plague of stink bugs on board a giant vehicle carrier ship.
The Glovis Caravel, which is understood to be carrying several months worth of the American EV giant's Model Y SUV, has been circling offshore from Brisbane since October 22 as the crew battled to fumigate the cargo ship.
But after weeks of trying to decontaminate the vessel, the ship has now been refused permission to dock in Australia, and has been ordered back to Shanghai, with most of its load still on board.
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry confirmed multiple biohazard risks had been found on board, including an outbreak of Yellow Spotted Stink Bugs.
Thousands of affected Tesla buyers have now been told their already-delayed deliveries are on hold indefinitely while the company tries to find a solution.
Australian government officials have turned around a huge shipment of Teslas over an insect infestation on board a giant vehicle carrier ship and sent it back to China
The Glovis Caravel has been circling offshore from Brisbane since October 22 as the crew battled to fumigate the ship and wipe out a plague of stink bugs
Tesla warned customers may have to wait for the next production run before they will be able to get their new cars - with prices starting at about $70,000 for a basic Model Y.
On Friday a DAFF spokesman said the department had been 'working with a vehicle carrier to manage biosecurity risks posed by live insects detected on the vessel and its cargo'.
It added: 'There were multiple detections including Yellow Spotted Stink Bug, which poses a significant threat to Australia’s plant health and environment because of the damage it can do to agriculture crops, fruit and ornamental trees.’
An email from Tesla seen by Daily Mail Australia told buyers the ship has now been refused entry to Australia by the government officials.
'[It] is required to return to Shanghai for further processing prior to re-entering an Australian port,' said the email.
'We are actively investigating all available options to get your Model Y to you as soon as possible.
'This may include reassigning your order to a vehicle from the next batch of production. 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 want to reassure you that we are doing everything we can to minimise the impact to you.'
Customers have reacted furiously online to the blow.
'Wife just got a Glovis Caravel update from Tesla. Wife not happy. Wish me luck,' said one weary husband.
'Is Glovis Caravel really heading back to China?' added another incredulously.
'What is actually going on with Glovis Caravel? Why is it taking sooo long to get the problem sorted and get out of Brisbane?
'Really...how long does it take? Does this mean our car has been treated with fumigant numerous times?'
The ship is now sailing back to China and expected to arrive in Shanghai on January 2 for further fumigation treatments before it may try to return to Brisbane.
One customer said he had been told by Tesla the delay was caused by 'seeds and a biohazard' aboard the ship, with deliveries now put back five months until 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 quicker than waiting for the ship to return
The Glovis Caravel is now headed back to China and expected to arrive at Shanghai on January 2 for further fumigation treatments before it may try to return to Brisbane
As a gesture of goodwill, it's claimed the car manufacturer will offer the delayed buyers six months of Tesla's enhanced autopilot driving system - although only some purchasers have been told of that offer.
Those with a Model Y on board say they have been told there is no other way they can get their new car quicker than waiting for the ship to return.
However, several mid-range Model 3 vehicles are available immediately from Tesla showrooms.
Another Tesla delivery a year ago ran into similar problems with a ship delayed for weeks as it fought a similar insect infestation before finally being allowed to dock, delaying Australian deliveries from Christmas 2022 until the middle of February.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Tesla for comment.
Glovis Caravel was ordered to leave New Zealand in 2018 after 600 stink bugs were found on board while the vessel was anchored in Auckland.
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