Working Conditions Aboard the Zaza

On February 20, the cruise ship 'World Legacy' faced a distressing incident as it caught fire while carrying 224 passengers, 185 of whom were Singaporean nationals, alongside 388 crew members. As of February 23, the vessel was securely anchored at the Raffles Reserved Anchorage, located at position 01° 11' N 103° 47' E, and in stable condition. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), along with the Police Coast Guard and Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) Marine Division, were actively involved in the ongoing response efforts. Tragically, a 23-year-old laundry attendant onboard the ship was pronounced dead after collapsing in the lobby of Deck 9. Despite immediate medical attention, he succumbed to cardiopulmonary arrest due to asphyxiation at approximately 4:30 a.m. Authorities have since notified the Indonesian embassy in Singapore regarding the unfortunate incident. In the aftermath, a dedicated core crew has remained aboard the 'World Legacy' to conduct thorough safety inspections, perform essential operations, and support investigations while ensuring the vessel’s safe management during this challenging period.

In the early hours of February 20, 2026, at 4 a.m. local time in Singapore, tragedy struck aboard the 'World Legacy'. While navigating towards Singapore, a fire erupted in the lounge area located on deck 9. Swift action was taken as emergency services from the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) promptly arrived to control the situation. Unfortunately, despite their efforts, one Indonesian crew member lost his life in the incident. The deceased's body has since been recovered and transferred ashore, with the Indonesian embassy in Singapore alerted to the situation for further assistance. The onboard safety protocols were activated quickly, preventing injuries to the remaining crew and the 271 passengers on board, which included 139 Singaporean nationals. An immediate evacuation was initiated, with passengers transported to the HarbourFront Ferry Terminal aboard the 'Asean Raider 1' (IMO 9149627) operated by Batam Fast Ferries. Medical personnel from the SCDF were available at the scene, though only four passengers required hospital assessment due to smoke exposure. Following the fire's containment by SCDF Marine firefighters, all passengers were disembarked, and a select team of crew members remained for essential operations aboard the ship. The classification society surveyors were called in by the vessel's owners to evaluate damage assessments and necessary repairs before the 'World Legacy' could resume its operations. The vessel anchored at the port's designated area, positioned at 01° 11' N 103° 47' E. In light of the incident, the Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) established a security perimeter around the ship, issuing navigational advisories for nearby vessels to maintain a safe distance. An investigation has been commenced to determine the fire's origins. Operated by World Cruises, the 'World Legacy' offers a flexible cruising experience, allowing guests to choose between day trips or extended vacations, with boarding options available from Singapore or Malaysia. Passengers departing from Singapore utilize dedicated ferry services through HarbourFront Centre, which are scheduled multiple times daily. The DNV-classed vessel was insured under protection and indemnity coverage by the American Club, with technical management provided by Genoa-based Venture Ship Management Europe. Registered under the ownership of Dragon 1, a single-ship entity based in Singapore, the company was established by Asian entrepreneur Joseph Phua through his investment firm, Turn Capital. Before its recent role as a cruise ship, the 'World Legacy' underwent significant refurbishment in Singapore, after previously operating as the ferry 'Moby Zaza'. It had to cancel its anticipated maiden voyage just two days before its intended launch on December 21, 2025, amidst reports of brown tap water, malfunctioning lifts, and ineffective air conditioning. For further updates, you can view reports including photos and video at the following links: [Channel News Asia](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/world-legacy-cruise-ship-fire-5941831), [Mothership](https://mothership.sg/2026/02/world-legacy-cruise-fire-update/?fbclid=IwY2xjawQFGmNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEerzMx1D6mzEkT477oSHKAcAeD6AHFuDeDj1tukGqnxzvpjhrcR4B8nsOa99Y_aem_PiogfxwaMYMAfpkvkCUu8g), [Channel News Asia Shorts](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/shorts/passenger-videos-show-evacuation-after-fire-world-legacy-cruise-ship-5942341).

The vessel formerly known as 'Moby Zaza' has been rebranded as 'World Legacy', although it continues to be registered under its original name, 'Zaza'. Operated by World Cruises, this iconic ship departed from Sembawang on October 7, 2023, where it had been docked since August 16. It has since made its way to the Loyang Offshore Resupply Base in Singapore and has remained stationary at this location as of October 17, 2023. For visuals and discussions about the ship, visit the community post here: https://www.reddit.com/r/Ships/comments/1o5bu3u/anyone_knows_what_ship_this_is/

The iconic vessel, previously known as 'Moby Zaza', is embarking on a new chapter as it transitions from a ferry to a floating hotel. Recently sold, this Mediterranean gem will not meet the scrapyard but instead head to a bustling port in the Far East. In late March, the Port Authority of Livorno made a public announcement regarding the departure of the ship from the Onorato family's fleet. Now sporting a fresh registration in San Marino, the vessel has been rebranded as 'Zaza' under the ownership of Dragon 1 Pte Ltd. The Genoese firm Venture Ship Management Europe Srl has been appointed for its technical management. This company, formerly known as Crystal Pool, was sold in early 2024 and is currently under the administration of Hong Kong's Wah Kwong group. The 'Moby Zaza' joined the Moby fleet a decade ago, primarily operating routes between Corsica (Porto Vecchio) and Sardinia (Golfo Aranci) to cover for the Giraglia during its breakdowns. Notably, on December 18, 2024, the ship experienced a blackout that required tug assistance to safely return to the Olbia port. Alongside the 'Moby Zaza', it is expected that the 'Moby Drea' will also exit the Onorato fleet in the near future.

In a significant development for the Moby Lines fleet, the ferry 'Moby Zaza' has officially been decommissioned and sold to Atlantis Maritime, a firm operating out of the Marshall Islands. This follows the recent scrapping of its sister ship, 'Moby Dada.' Launched into service in December 2015, the 'Moby Zaza' was an esteemed member of the Moby fleet and even found temporary charter work with Balearia during the 2022 tender process. The future of the ferry remains uncertain as it embarks on a new chapter under its new ownership.

The ferry 'Moby Zaza', which operates on the Porto Vecchio-Golfo Aranci route, encountered a significant operational issue on December 18, 2024. After departing from the Corsican port at 6 p.m., the vessel faced a generator failure, resulting in a delayed docking that extended well into the night. At approximately 10:15 p.m., the ferry's engines stopped functioning at the entrance to Isola Bianca, leading to a blackout that trapped several passengers inside the elevators. Once power was restored, the ship's captain informed the passengers that disembarkation would happen within 20 minutes. However, due to the circumstances, tugs were deployed to assist the ferry, redirecting it to the port of Olbia instead of its original destination, Golfo Aranci. This deviation caused inconvenience for many commuters who had parked their vehicles at Golfo Aranci. Ultimately, the Moby Zaza managed to berth with a delay of over two hours, allowing passengers to disembark around midnight. For reports and photographs detailing the incident, you can visit the following links: [Unione Sarda](https://www.unionesarda.it/en/sardinia/engines-off-and-people-stuck-in-elevators-new-odyssey-on-the-ship-from-corsica-guldbbdj) and [Shipping Italy](https://www.shippingitaly.it/2024/12/19/moby-zaza-alla-deriva-tra-la-corsica-e-la-sardegna-e-rimorchiato-a-olbia/?fbclid=IwY2xjawHSF7lleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHX14zOgo6pniD6SqnKz4I6oh9Jwz1s4yNeQIe8N7Sig0NlzNKHWJsrDt_Q_aem_mjvLeXNkFJ0xRH4EYVB9gQ).