Flag of Convenience Hearings Raise ‘Shocking Concerns’

Posted by Eric Haun
Thursday, March 31, 2016
The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) maritime coordinator Jacqueline Smith today described the Australian senate hearings into flag of convenience (FOC) shipping taking place in Canberra as raising “shocking concerns”.
According to the ITF, the fact that the captain of the ‘death ship’ Sage Sagittarius – on which three people have died in suspicious circumstances – was allowed to work off the Australian coast for eight months, despite claims of involvement in potential firearms offences, is the latest revelation to emerge at the hearings.
“These latest revelations are blowing a hole in the Australian government’s pretence that it is managing Australian shipping in a safe and responsible manner,” Smith said. “That particular claim is now taking on water and about to sink without trace.”
“Coming on top of the scandalous recent cases of the CSL Melbourne and the MV Portland, these new exposés paint a deeply worrying picture of a dysfunctional and indefensible policy that goes right to the top of the Australian government,” Smith added.
Categories: Casualties Government Update Legal Maritime Safety

Related Stories

US Allows Ethane to be Shipped to China, But Not Unloaded

Iran, Israel Trade Blame As Commercial Shipping Is Threatened By Conflict

US Container Imports Decline in May as China Tariffs bite

Current News

World’s First Ship-to-Ship LCO₂ Transfer Completed in Shanghai

Gulf Shipping Costs Fall After Israel-Iran Ceasefire

US Goods Trade Deficit Increased in May, Exports Declined

Maersk Reopens Cargo Acceptance to Port of Haifa

Subscribe for Maritime Logistics Professional E‑News