Ac-Jiahe Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

On September 11, 2019, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) enforced a significant ban on two bulk carriers, "Fortune Genius" and "Xing Jing Hai", due to serious breaches of seafarers’ payment rights. The "Fortune Genius," docked in Gladstone, received a 12-month prohibition, while the "Xing Jing Hai," located in Brisbane, faced an 18-month ban for failing to adequately compensate their crew. This action came after AMSA surveyors conducted inspections triggered by complaints from the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF). Investigating the "Fortune Genius," AMSA found that the crew was underpaid by nearly A$100,000 (approximately $69,000) from April to August. The vessel's operator, New Fortune Genius Management, maintained two conflicting wage records: one accurately reflecting the payments owed and another showing what was actually disbursed, leading to the immediate detention of the ship. Similarly, the "Xing Jing Hai" was scrutinized after ITF reported unpaid wages following a history of similar issues; notably, its sister ship, "Xing Ning Hai," had been previously detained in July 2018 for owing the crew about A$215,000. Despite previous warnings regarding wage disputes, AMSA discovered that wages due for May and June were delayed, with around A$140,000 still outstanding for July and August. Allan Schwartz, AMSA's General Manager of Operations, expressed strong disapproval of the operators’ conduct, categorizing the failure to pay crew as a severe infringement of the Maritime Labour Convention. He emphasized that AMSA will take stringent measures against any future violations from Dalian Ocean Prosperity International Ship Management, the operator of the "Xing Jing Hai," citing a systemic failure to ensure timely payments to seafarers. Beyond the operational disruptions, these ships serve critical roles; the "Xing Jing Hai" was intended to deliver clinker to Cement Australia, while the "Fortune Genius" was heading from Gladstone to Taean, with an estimated arrival of September 29. The bans remain in place as AMSA continues to prioritize the rights and welfare of maritime workers across its waters.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has taken action against the Panama-flagged bulk carrier Fortune Genius, owned by a Chinese company, at the Port of Gladstone. The ship was detained following alarming reports from its crew, who disclosed that they were collectively owed $64,000 in unpaid wages. An inspector from the International Transport Workers’ Federation boarded the vessel upon its arrival yesterday and discovered that eight crew members from Myanmar had each been underpaid by $8,000 over the course of six months. This incident highlights serious concerns regarding crew welfare and compliance with maritime labor standards in the shipping industry.

In a recent maritime transaction, a vessel has been sold for a remarkable $7 million to buyers from China. This sale showcases the ongoing demand in the maritime industry and highlights the interest of Chinese investors in expanding their fleet. Details regarding the ship's specifications and its future deployment are yet to be disclosed, but the deal marks a significant move in the marine market.