The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has imposed a ban on the bulk carrier FPMC B Forever, marking the third such action within the past two months.
The Liberia-flagged vessel is operated by Formosa Plastics Marine Corporation, which has been accused of violating the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC).
During a port state control inspection in Newcastle, AMSA inspectors found that the crew had been underpaid, and seafarers were also being charged for drinking water.
Additional labor-related violations were reportedly identified during the inspection.
Following the findings, AMSA detained the vessel and banned the company from entering Australian ports and territorial waters until July 28.
Acting AMSA Executive Director of Operations Greg Witherall stated that any underpayment of seafarers is illegal and will result in enforcement action.
According to AMSA, the case should serve as a warning to ship operators attempting to cut costs at the expense of their crews.
“If you underpay your crew, the consequences will be far greater than the amount you attempted to withhold,” the authority stated.
