Working Conditions Aboard the Lina

On January 30, 2020, at 9:20 a.m., the cargo vessel 'Lina', traveling from St. Petersburg to Leixões, attracted the attention of the water police in Brunsbüttel as it approached the Northern lock leading to the Elbe River. During a routine inspection, authorities discovered that the vessel was significantly overloaded, carrying 5,170 tons of carbon steel shavings—170 tons above its permissible limit. As a result of the overloading, the 'Lina' was instructed to reverse out of the lock. By 11:15 a.m., the ship was secured at the railway station pilings located in the canal port of Brunsbüttel, where it remained detained until the excess cargo was safely removed. On February 2, at midnight, the vessel returned to the Elbe Port in Brunsbüttel for the necessary adjustments to its draught. The 'Lina' finally resumed its journey on February 3 at 2:30 p.m. after unloading the surplus cargo. The vessel is now set to arrive at Leixões on February 8 at 11 p.m. Following the incident, an investigation was launched against the ship's master, who was required to pay a safety deposit of 5,100 Euros. This case underscores the importance of strict adherence to loading regulations in maritime operations.

The freighter 'Don 1' found itself under arrest at the port of Wismar due to an ongoing dispute over unpaid wages for its crew. The vessel, carrying a team of 20 seafarers, had been grappling with delayed salaries for an extended period, prompting the crew to enlist the assistance of the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF). In response, an ITF inspector was dispatched from Rostock to address the issue. The ship has been anchored in Wismar since November 9, 2014. After negotiations, the crew finally received their overdue wages on November 20, leading to the establishment of new contracts. Subsequently, 'Don 1' was released and set sail from Wismar, with a planned arrival in Tripoli set for December 7.