What Crew Members Say About Mount-Troodos

In a significant maritime transaction, the Beihai Maritime Court in China has officially auctioned off the Five Stars Fujian, a capesize bulk carrier constructed in 2009, with a deadweight tonnage of 181,400 dwt. This vessel had been under court detention since 2016, following a claim by the creditor, Bank of Communications, arising from a debt dispute involving Five Stars Fujian Shipping. The vessel was sold for an impressive RMB170.6 million, equivalent to approximately $24.8 million, although the identity of the buyer remains undisclosed.

In a significant move, the Beihai Maritime Court has scheduled an auction for next month on Taobao to sell a capesize bulk carrier, built in 2009, that belongs to the financially troubled Five Stars Fujian Shipping. The auction follows a request from the company’s creditors amid ongoing financial difficulties. The vessel has been under the custody of the court since September 2016, after being detained at Fangchenggang Port in Guangxi due to outstanding debts.

The contentious 'Five Stars Fujian' is back in Australian waters as its 12-month port ban was officially lifted on August 31, 2017. This vessel gained notoriety after being detained near Gladstone the previous year due to severe issues such as failing to pay crew wages for a full year and maintaining dangerously low food supplies on board. Following this incident, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) took a firm stance, indicating that the vessel may face a permanent ban if it encounters any further violations in the next two years. When the initial ban was enacted on September 1, 2016, AMSA aimed to send a strong message to shipping companies about the intolerable nature of such conduct. As the Five Stars Fujian Shipping Co resumes operations, it will now be subject to enhanced inspections and potential penalties. The ship's inspection history remains a crucial factor in determining the frequency of future checks, and it will certainly attract heightened scrutiny given its prior ban.