Working Conditions Aboard the Ft-Sunrise

On November 11, 2018, at 2 a.m., the cargo vessel 'Tintomara' experienced a fuel leak in its engine room while navigating from Amsterdam to Tuxpan, Mexico. This incident occurred at coordinates 049 52 36.0 N, 004 00 15.6 W, while the ship was transporting a significant cargo of gasoline. Fortunately, the crew acted swiftly and managed to resolve the fuel leak by 5:25 a.m., allowing the Tintomara to resume its journey towards Mexico.

On May 19, 2018, at approximately 6:15 p.m., the 'Tintomara' encountered engine difficulties while navigating through the Suez Canal on its way from Dumai to Castellon. Fortunately, the crew was able to make the necessary repairs, allowing the vessel to continue its journey just an hour later at 7:15 p.m. Despite the brief setback, 'Tintomara' resumed its passage without further incident.

The owners of the vessel 'Tintomara' have taken significant steps to address crew welfare issues, following the removal of the captain and chief officer on bullying charges. On February 26, 2023, Far East Management entered into an industrial agreement with the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), promising improvements to working conditions for the ship's 26 crew members. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) detained the 'Tintomara' last week after the crew refused to board, citing mistreatment from the chief officer and captain. This detention followed serious allegations of harassment aboard the ship, which were substantiated during investigations that included the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC). The ITF characterized the treatment experienced by the crew as "barbaric" and "horrific." In a decisive action, an MLC auditor removed the captain on the night of February 25, 2023, following the removal of the chief on February 23. The contract established a well-structured agreement that the ITF deemed a fair resolution within the global shipping industry, stipulating increased wages, reduced working hours, adequate accommodation, and a maximum nine-month working period at sea. Reports indicated the crew had been earning less than the global average seafarer wage of $3.50 per hour, living in cramped conditions with multiple crew members in double bunks. To bolster crew morale and alleviate fears regarding potential repercussions for their actions in Gladstone, the agreement included an indemnity clause ensuring that no seafarers would face punishment, job bans, or intimidation moving forward. An AMSA representative confirmed that there were no reports of food and water shortages aboard the 'Tintomara' while docked at the Port of Gladstone. It was also noted that crew payments were delayed by about two weeks but adhered to contract terms. The ship remains in detention at Gladstone until AMSA determines that the conditions are safe for the crew to set sail.