Crew Reviews, Ratings & Info for Leste

In a recent maritime transaction, a vessel has been successfully sold for a striking $14.5 million. The acquisition was made by undisclosed buyers, adding an exciting chapter to this ship's journey. The deal underscores the ongoing activity in the maritime market, reflecting continued interest in vessel procurement amidst fluctuating economic conditions.

In a significant shift for its operations in Australia, BP has announced that it is withdrawing one of its coastal product tankers from service due to the impending closure of its Queensland refinery in Brisbane. The ship in question, the MR product tanker British Loyalty (IMO: 9354061, 46,800 dwt, built in 2004), marks the third Australian tanker to cease operations in the past year, as the energy giant grapples with changing market conditions. The decision has led to protests from unions, which are decrying the replacement of local jobs with foreign labor. This move comes as BP prepares for the refinery’s closure, expected in mid-2015, rendering the British Loyalty surplus to operational needs. Reports indicate that the tanker is set to journey to Singapore, where it will be reintegrated into BP’s global shipping fleet. Upon arrival in Singapore, the ship’s 36 crew members will face redundancy, raising concerns about employment within the local maritime industry. Currently, only two Australian tankers remain active for coastal transportation, further highlighting the decline of domestic shipping capabilities. In response to these developments, workers organized a protest outside BP Australia’s headquarters in Melbourne, voicing their dissatisfaction with the loss of local jobs. The situation reflects broader challenges facing the Australian maritime sector and calls into question the reliance on foreign labor amidst regional economic shifts.

The Maritime Union initiated a protest rally in Newcastle this past Monday, in response to the news about impending job losses among the Australian crew members of a BP fuel tanker. The vessel, known as 'BRITISH LOYALTY,' docked in Newcastle Harbour for what is expected to be its final arrival, leaving approximately 30 seafarers facing unemployment. Union representative Dennis Outram expressed concerns that this development narrows the number of Australian-crewed fuel tankers on the country's east coast to just two, raising alarms over Australia's fuel security. Outram emphasized that the replacement of local crews with foreign workers could compromise safety and environmental standards. To address these issues, the union is advocating for a nationwide boycott of BP. He stated, "This is supposedly their last voyage on that route. Prior to their departure, we organized a protest in Brisbane during their final fuel-up. Our goal is to engage with the crew upon their arrival and press for meaningful conversations as part of our ongoing campaign." Outram clarified that the protest encompasses not just union members but the broader community as well, stating, "The community should be concerned about this. We need to show BP that we are dissatisfied with their treatment of Australian workers." He reiterated the serious implications for fuel security, noting, "While we are obviously worried about our members' livelihoods, we must also recognize that crews on these vessels have operated with a stellar safety record for three decades, without incident. The transition to overseas crews, who may not have the same level of training and experience, is troubling, especially given the navigation through sensitive areas like the Great Barrier Reef. Our sovereign waters could be at risk." In response to the protests and job cuts, BP issued a statement clarifying that the management and crew of its vessels are handled by a third-party Australian company that employs those staff members. With the Bulwar Island Refinery set to close this month, BP indicated that there will no longer be products requiring transportation by the BRITISH LOYALTY.