Australia bans Aswan Shipping bulker Movers 3 for 18 months

The Movers 3 was detained in Queensland on 4 March by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) for failing to carry out regular surveys of the vessel, and for appalling working and living conditions onboard.

With the resolution of issues - replacement of poorly maintained ballast tank head vents and the updated ship surveys – on 29 April following a lengthy Port State Control detention, the vessel was released. AMSA then immediately banned the vessel from returning to Australian waters 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

“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,” 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.”

Another Aswan Shipping vessel Maryam is still under detention in Port Kembla after being detained on 19 February.

“Ship operators like Aswan Shipping are not welcome in Australian waters,” Wimmer stated.

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