Discover the Unison-Jasper: Ratings & Maritime News

The bulk carrier 'Unison Jasper' has been issued a six-month ban from Australian ports after a month-long detention at the Port of Newcastle. The vessel was held on July 25, 2020, due to violations of the Maritime Labour Convention. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) uncovered multiple discrepancies in wage accounts, conflicting seafarer employment agreements, and inadequate provisions of food onboard, alongside an inefficient complaints process. On July 31, AMSA reported that 11 members of the crew opted to disembark the ship, entering quarantine arrangements in Sydney prior to their repatriation. As a result of the reduced crew on board, the 'Unison Jasper' remained under detention in Newcastle until a replacement crew, arranged by Unison Marine Corporation, arrived from abroad. Following this, the bulk carrier was allowed to leave Australian waters.

In a significant move, Australian authorities have detained two cargo ships following allegations of labor violations involving seafarers demanding repatriation after extended periods at sea, some exceeding a year. The ships in question are poised to transport materials for prominent companies such as Cargill Inc. and an aluminum consortium that includes Rio Tinto Group. According to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), these vessels will remain detained until they rectify the identified violations. One of the detained vessels, the 'Unison Jasper', was transporting alumina meant for the Tomago Aluminum smelter located north of Sydney. The detention stems from its failure to uphold seafarers’ employment and social rights as dictated by Article IV of the Maritime Labour Convention, which includes provisions for wage payments, crew repatriation, and the supply of fresh food. The Tomago smelter is a collaborative venture owned by Rio Tinto Group, CSR Ltd., and Hydro Aluminium AS. Currently, the 'Unison Jasper' is on a time-chartered agreement with Danish shipping services company Lauritzen Bulkers A/S, which has further sublet the vessel. Its ownership is attributed to Emerald Shipping (HK) Co. Ltd., while the ship is operated by Unison Marine Group and chartered by Pacific Basin, as detailed by the AMSA. In a statement, Pacific Basin noted that it is not involved in the ship's management and crewing issues. The vessel arrived at Newcastle port on July 25, 2020. The second detained vessel, the 'Ben Rinnes', has been held primarily due to lacking a valid repatriation plan for seafarers who have been aboard for over 13 months. Owned by MassMutual Asset Finance LLC, an affiliate of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co., the 'Ben Rinnes' is chartered by Cargill Inc. and operated by Navios Shipmanagement Inc., per AMSA reports.