Working Conditions Aboard the Lila-Fuji

The 'Lord Star', a vessel that suffered significant damage to over 80% of its length after striking a rock in the Baltic Sea in December 2014, is currently undergoing extensive repairs in Brest. As the ship remains under maintenance, the CGT union, in collaboration with Damen and the Health, Safety Committee and Working Conditions (HSC), has expressed serious concerns regarding the working conditions of the 20 Chinese crew members aboard. In a statement released on February 23, they highlighted alarming reports indicating that the sailors were tasked with handling heavy fuel oil using shovels, all without the benefit of personal protective equipment. Reports have also surfaced of one crew member requiring hospitalization due to these hazardous conditions.

On December 12, 2014, an oil leak stemming from the bulk carrier 'Lord Star' resulted in significant pollution within the docking area of Damen Yard in Brest, covering approximately 400 square meters. To manage the spill effectively, oil booms were promptly deployed around dock number 2, where the vessel was undergoing repairs. The response team comprised the maritime prefecture, naval forces, police, firefighting units, and officials from the Centre for Documentation, Research and Experimentation on Accidental Water Pollution. The 'Lord Star', which had sustained hull damage due to grounding in the Baltic Sea, arrived in Brest for necessary inspections on December 9. On December 16, divers are scheduled to assess the condition of the ship's hull. For further details, French media outlets featured coverage and images of the incident, which can be found here: [Ouest-France](http://www.ouest-france.fr/port-de-brest-importante-pollution-en-cours-au-chantier-damen-3048018), [Le Télégramme - Expertises](http://www.letelegramme.fr/finistere/brest/port-de-commerce/lord-star-expertises-avant-decision-10-12-2014-10456266.php), [Le Télégramme - Pollution](http://www.letelegramme.fr/finistere/brest/fuite-d-hydrocarbures-pollution-dans-le-port-de-commerce-13-12-2014-10460229.php).