Miao-Zhou Vessel Reviews and Specifications

On July 10, 2018, a significant fire erupted aboard the bulk carrier 'Kuyou' while docked in Mallegat-North, Dordrecht. The ship, laden with scrap material, prompted a rapid response from the fire department, which deployed several fire engines to the scene. Authorities indicated that extinguishing the fire would be a prolonged effort. As a safety precaution, the port was temporarily closed to other shipping traffic. The fire generated thick smoke, which drifted toward the residential areas along Mijlweg and Wielwijk, causing slight haziness on the A16 motorway. Fortunately, air quality measurements confirmed that no hazardous levels of toxic substances were present, and there was no need to shut down the boulevard or highway. Although the cause of the fire remained undetermined, there were no reported injuries. Fire crews managed to bring the blaze in the scrap cargo under control by 8:30 p.m., with assistance from two fireboats aiding the onshore firefighting efforts. While the situation was stabilizing, it was expected that complete extinguishment would take several additional hours. Four measurement teams were deployed to monitor air quality throughout the area. The 'Kuyou' had arrived in the seaport at 2 a.m. from Moerdijk and later departed Dordrecht on July 27 at 5 a.m., making its way to Damen Shiprepair Yard in Rotterdam, where it docked at 7:45 a.m. for repairs. After completing repairs, the vessel was anchored at RTM Anchorage off the port by 7 p.m. on August 11 and subsequently departed for Skagen with an estimated arrival on August 16. For further details and visual coverage, see Dutch news outlets featuring photos and videos of the incident.

On October 24, 2013, the bulk carrier 'Kouyou' was detained in Quebec, Canada, following a serious breach of international labor standards as determined by maritime labor officials. The crew members were found to be owed over $51,000 in back wages, marking the third instance of a freight vessel being detained in Canada under the newly implemented Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006). Inspector Gerard Bradbury of the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) and Unifor union uncovered these significant issues onboard the vessel. The detainment was initiated due to glaring violations of international labor standards and breaches of collective bargaining agreements. Transport Canada was promptly informed and intervened to keep the ship detained until all outstanding wages are paid and the crew members are safely repatriated. The crew, which includes 20 Burmese and Vietnamese seafarers along with Canadian Captain James Maung, expressed their desire to return home after settling their dues. In a particularly troubling aspect of the case, it was revealed that the crew had collectively paid nearly $6,600 to secure their jobs, a practice that contravenes established international labor conventions prohibiting recruitment or placement fees levied by manning agents. Additionally, the crew faced issues regarding their home allotment pay, which is intended to support their families while they work at sea. Efforts have been initiated to communicate with the vessel's Japanese owners, Doun Kisen KK, to address these labor violations and ensure compliance with the necessary regulations.