Working Conditions Aboard the Lider-Bordo-Mavi

On June 10, 2025, the vessel *Lider Bordo Mavi* was detained in Samsun after inspectors identified 23 deficiencies, with 20 of those categorized as severe grounds for detention. Key issues included: 1) Inadequate Garbage Record Book, 2) Non-compliant Steering Gear, 3) Significant Hull Corrosion, 4) Damage to Structural Beams and Frames, 5) Malfunctioning Watertight Doors, 6) Inoperative Fire Detection and Alarm Systems, 7) Non-functional Fire Dampers, 8) Insufficient Firefighting Equipment, 9) Expired Nautical Publications necessary for safe navigation, 10) Failures in Water/Weathertight Ventilation Systems. Further violations included inadequate Abandon Ship Drills, unqualified Propulsion Main Engine, and an absent Garbage Management Plan. Additional deficiencies were noted in crew documentation concerning work and rest hours, cargo operations testing equipment, and poorly maintained Lifeboats. The vessel’s ISM certificate was also found to be unsatisfactory. Following these assessments, the *Lider Bordo Mavi* was released on June 15 and has been stationary since June 16.

Tobago is set to welcome a new addition to its inter-island cargo ferry service as plans unfold for the arrival of a vessel by early June. Allison Lewis, the chairman of the Port Authority, has confirmed that a suitable boat has been identified, pending the Ministry of Works' approval for its inspection. Entrepreneur Dale McLeod has played a pivotal role in securing the vessel, stating that he received communication from the Port Authority regarding the MV La Caracola, which is currently docked at Port Cabello in Venezuela. McLeod highlighted the urgency of the matter, as he needed to inform the vessel’s owners of the interest prior to the deadline at midday today. If all goes according to plan, the MV La Caracola could arrive in Tobago around June 2 or 3. The leasing cost for this vessel is set at US$13,500 per month for an initial six-month period, a significant saving compared to the $22 million required to lease the Atlantic Provider and Trinity Transporter. The MV La Caracola boasts impressive capacity, accommodating up to 123 passengers, 100 trucks, and various containers including 20-foot units and flat racks. Stay tuned as Tobago gears up for this enhanced cargo ferry service, promising to improve inter-island transportation significantly.

The cargo vessel 'Hoburgen' has found a new chapter as it was sold by Lillgaards to Greek buyers after an extended period of inactivity. The ship, which has been moored in Mariehamn since 2010, was towed away on December 3, 2015. Lillgaards initially acquired the 'Hoburgen' from Rederi AB Gotland in 2007, marking a notable change in ownership as it embarks on its journey to Greece.