The Altin: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) has officially recorded the abandonment of the vessel ALTIN (IMO: 8203555). The ship, flying the flag of Tanzania, is currently located at the port of Novorossiysk in Russia. Eight seafarers from Azerbaijan are facing an alarming situation, having gone without pay for the past two months. The report of this abandonment was submitted to the ITF on November 1, 2025, and the case remains open as authorities work to address the issue. This incident is part of the broader ITF Seafarers abandonment list, which monitors and documents crew abandonment cases globally.

On November 15, 2023, an alarming situation on board the 'Zuzanna' came to light following multiple complaints received by the ITF inspector in Ukraine and the Marine Transport Workers Trade Union. The vessel, having recently docked at a private terminal in the port of Izmajil, is under scrutiny due to serious issues raised by crew members regarding their working conditions. Sailors have reported severe delays in wage payments, deplorable living conditions, and the ship's deteriorating technical state. The 'Zuzanna' has been actively involved in transporting agricultural goods as part of the Grain Agreement, moving products from Ukraine to Turkish and Romanian ports. However, both current and former crew members have expressed deep frustration over the ship owner's persistent neglect toward their legitimate grievances. Compounding the issue, the Portuguese shipping company responsible for the crew's employment has failed to address inquiries regarding these complaints. Despite the troubling situation, overseas recruitment agencies continue to promote job openings for the 'Zuzanna', attracting seafarers who are in precarious situations. After examining the employment contract of a former crew member, the Marine Transport Workers Trade Union has issued a strong advisory against prospective seafarers accepting jobs aboard this vessel. The contract stipulates a captain's salary of $4,500, which includes a basic wage of $3,500 and a discretionary bonus of $1,000 payable at the end of the contract term. However, reports indicate that many sailors have not received even their base pay. In light of these revelations, expecting support from the flag state’s administration appears futile, given the jurisdictional challenges. The Marine Transport Workers Trade Union underscores the importance of rigorously vetting both the vessel and associated companies before committing to an employment contract, highlighting the critical need for transparency in maritime labor practices.

On the morning of June 29, 2014, the cargo ship 'Zuzanna' encountered significant difficulties at Stensarmen in Tønsberg/Nøtterøy, near the Channel Bridge, amidst challenging currents. By 12:30 p.m., local authorities dispatched a police patrol to the incident scene. Reports indicate that the vessel lost control, striking piers with both its bow and stern, and came dangerously close to colliding with the Channel Bridge before ultimately managing to secure a berth. After a brief halt, the 'Zuzanna' departed the port around midnight, heading towards the Oslo Fjord. For further details and photos, refer to the Norwegian news report: http://www.tb.no/nyheter/vitne-skipet-var-totalt-uten-styring-1.8493733.