Australian Maritime Authority Bans Chinese-Owned Ship Over Unpaid Wages and Violations
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has imposed a six-month ban on a Chinese-owned bulker, BBG Wuzhou, due to unpaid crew wages and other violations. The vessel, flagged in Liberia, was inspected at the port of Newcastle, revealing unpaid wages totaling nearly A$69,000 (US$49,000) over seven months. Additional issues included insufficient food and lack of free drinking water. The ship was deemed unseaworthy and substandard, leading to its ban from Australian ports until October 4. AMSA's actions serve as a warning to maritime employers to adhere to the Maritime Labour Convention, which mandates timely payment of wages and adequate living conditions for seafarers.