AMSA imposes 18-month ban on Panama-flagged bulker for substandard onboard conditions

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has handed-down an 18 month ban on the Panama-flagged bulk carrier Movers 3, which is operated by Aswan Shipping.

Movers 3 has been detained at anchor off Weipa in far north Queensland since March 4, 2021, for failing to carry out important regular surveys of the ship, and for what AMSA said are appalling working and living conditions onboard.

Overnight, outstanding issues, namely the replacement of poorly maintained ballast tank head vents and the updated ship surveys, were finally resolved after a lengthy port state control detention.

On Thursday, April 29, AMSA released Movers 3 from detention and immediately issued it with a ban, prohibiting it from entering an Australian port for 18 months.

AMSA Deputy Chief Executive Officer Sachi Wimmer said Aswan Shipping had shown a complete disregard for its obligations to provide decent working and living conditions for its seafarers, and had not ensured its ships were maintained so they were safe for the crew and Australia’s marine environment.

“Aswan Shipping’s neglect has resulted in a difficult two months for the seafarers on Movers 3, let alone the effort required by many organisations to support them during this time,” Ms Wimmer said.

“We are holding Aswan Shipping accountable, it needs to step-up and fulfil its obligations as a ship owner and operate responsibly if it wants to trade in Australian ports in the future.”

Ms Wimmer added that the banning of Movers 3 “should serve as a stark reminder to the maritime industry” that AMSA will not tolerate or accept sub-standard ships in Australian waters.