Owner confirms commitment to crew welfare

SA Agulhas detained in Durban

SOUTH AFRICA: Owners of the SA Agulhas, J*S Maritime Partners have confirmed their commitment to crew welfare following the detention of the vessel in the Port of Durban earlier this month.

The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) confirmed in a statement that an “administrative order” had been issued against the SA Agulhas, formerly a training vessel, due to a contravention of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) – highlighting that the owner was addressing the matter “with urgency”.

Responding to our queries, Captain Stefan Bülow explained the circumstances relating to an “unfortunate delay in the payment of wages,” noting that J*S Maritime remained committed to grow and transform the South African maritime sector.

“We are doing everything in our power to rectify this situation as soon as possible,” he said, explaining that some legislative issues relating to the agreements with a well-established BBBEE partner had resulted in several “unforeseen delays” that had impacted on the liquidity of the venture.

“We are, however, confident that this unfortunate turn of events will be rectified within the very near future and in addition J*S Maritime has further undertaken to pay each of our loyal crew members a once off loyalty payment in order to compensate for the hardships that may have been caused,” said Bülow.

“Our commitment to first and foremost the welfare of our crew members, the vessel and the wider South African maritime industry remains unwavering,” he added.