Last year, the number of abandoned ships increased by 10%
23.01.2024 - 17:39
Ukrainian sailors are among the top 5 nationalities found on abandoned ships.
The ITF published data on the number of abandoned ships in 2023, the MarineTransport Workers Trade Union of Ukraine said.
In total, 132 cases of ship abandonment were reported last year, which is 13 (ie 10.92%) more than in 2022.
According to the 2006 ILO Maritime Labor Convention (MLC), a ship is considered abandoned if the shipowner does not cover the cost of repatriating seafarers; leaves the crew without the necessary maintenance and support; or otherwise unilaterally terminates ties, including failure to pay contractual wages to seafarers for at least two months.
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Thus, in 129 cases, the salary arrears exceeded $12.1 million. 1,676 sailors from the abandoned ships appealed to the ITF. The most often abandoned ship owners were Indian sailors – more than 400 people.
To date, the ITF has recovered over $10.9 million in back wages from 60 of these vessels.
The Trade Union emphasized that Ukrainian sailors are still among the top 5 nationalities found on abandoned ships.
It will be recalled that in January 2024, the captain of the bulk carrier Vyssos, which came across a Russian sea mine near the Danube estuary Bystre, appealed to the ITF with a complaint against the ship owner.
