HALF the crew of the bulker Maryam have requested repatriation, effectively resigning from their roles on board. Twelve members of the crew of 23 requested to be sent home.
The ship has been under detention since 19 February, when an AMSA inspection identified dozens of deficiencies and found deplorable conditions onboard. The ship had been berthed at Port Kembla until recently, when it moved to anchor with AMSA’s permission.
An AMSA spokesperson confirmed the deficiencies with the engines have recently been resolved to the satisfaction of the ship’s classification society and AMSA.
The ship is to remain under detention at anchorage until the 12 crew are repatriated and their replacements arrive.
The spokesperson said there are provisions for the crew’s repatriation under their current contractual arrangements.
“It is ultimately a matter for the crew, Aswan Shipping [the ship’s operator] and Panama as the flag state administration to resolve,” the spokesperson said.
“Aswan Shipping is responsible for all costs associated with crew repatriation and is required to ensure appropriate replacements for crew prior to the ship’s release from detention.
Maryam’s sister ship, Movers 3, remains detained and at anchor at Weipa.
“AMSA is still waiting for confirmation on when the ship’s classification society is expected to conduct the required surveys on Movers 3,” the spokesperson said.
“In addition to the outstanding surveys required by AMSA, some additional mechanical repair work has been required by the ship’s classification society. This includes replacement parts for poorly maintained ballast tank head vents.”
AMSA said it was informed the replacement parts are on the way to Weipa and would be installed in the near future.
“Once those replacement parts have been installed, AMSA expects the ship’s classification society to conduct the required surveys on Movers 3.”
