Liberian-flagged bulk carrier MSXT Emily banned from Australian waters

The maritime watchdog unearthed “disgraceful” conduct including serious issues of seafarer mistreatment and wage theft onboard an international cargo ship off the Mackay coast.

The vessel, MSXT Emily, had been chartered by K-Line to load coal cargo headed for Japan.

A Liberian-flagged bulk carrier has been banned from entering Australian waters for 12 months after “disgraceful” conduct was uncovered onboard the vessel including serious issues of seafarer mistreatment and wage theft, according to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.

After receiving a tip-off from the International Transport Workers’ Federation, the maritime watchdog inspected the ship at the Port of Hay Point and found evidence of several violations.

According to the watchdog’s public statement, the vessel, MSXT Emily, had been chartered by K-Line to load coal cargo headed for Japan.

However seafarers onboard the vessel had not been paid in line with their employment contracts, four of which contained apparently-forged signatures from employees, the government watchdog said.

Five seafarers also appeared to have been coerced into signing new employment agreements with lower salaries, and in one case a seafarer had signed a new contract for 50 per cent less pay while still holding a contract valid for a further four months.

Australian Maritime Safety Authority inspectors found evidence that more than US$77,000 in unpaid wages was owed to seafarers working onboard the MSXT Emily.

The ship’s operators, MSM Ship Management Pte Ltd China, tried to pay the amount owed once they were aware the inspectors were onboard.

The vessel, MSXT Emily, had been chartered by K-Line to load coal cargo headed for Japan.

AMSA inspectors allege the vessel’s operator appeared to have concealed this repeated wage theft.

AMSA executive director of operations Michael Drake said this was a serious case of seafarer mistreatment.

“Wage theft, forgery and coercion are serious matters, and I have been deeply troubled to hear of the conditions on the MSXT Emily,” he said in a public statement.

“The workforce conditions onboard this vessel are a disgrace, and AMSA will not tolerate this in Australian waters.

“I would like to acknowledge the role of the ITF in bringing this matter to our attention, and thank them for their continued advocacy for seafarer rights and welfare.”

Mr Drake said the 12 month ban was necessary to send the message that seafarer welfare should be a priority for every shipping operator.

“Our modern economy relies on the hard work these seafarers do, and when they are mistreated, the flow-on effects can be numerous,” he said.

“Seafarers are at sea for months at a time, and if morale is low or they are in poor physical and mental health, it can increase the risk of something going wrong.

“The supply chain, including vessel charters like K-Line, need to carefully consider which operators they engage to bring vessels to Australia.

“We’re imposing this lengthy ban as a clear deterrent and recognise that these essential workers deserve the dignity and respect of fair pay and good workplace conditions.”