Aswan ship at Weipa carrying Rio Tinto bauxite banned by AMSA
The crew of a bulk carrier detained at Weipa for eight weeks had ‘appalling’ living conditions and authorities have now slapped a ban on the ship.
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A SHIP carrying Rio Tinto bauxite from Weipa to China has been banned from Australian waters for “appalling living and working conditions on-board” by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).
The Panama-flagged bulk carrier Movers 3 was detained by AMSA at Weipa on March 4 for failing to carry out regular surveys and for appalling conditions for 21 crew.
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Mechanical issues have been fixed and the boat was sent on its way on Thursday afternoon.
AMSA deputy chief executive Sachi Wimmer said the ship operated by Aswan Shipping had been banned for 18 months.
She 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.
Ms Wimmer thanked parties who stepped up where Aswan Shipping had failed to act, organising food and welfare support for the impacted seafarers.
“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.
“The banning of Movers 3 should serve as a stark reminder to the maritime industry that AMSA will not tolerate or accept substandard ships in Australian waters,” Ms Wimmer said.
The International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) had called for Australia to ban Aswan Shipping from its waters.
The original crew included 22 seafarers from Turkey, India and Georgia.
Aswan Shipping has its head office in Turkey.
Originally published as Aswan ship at Weipa carrying Rio Tinto bauxite banned by AMSA
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