The charterer of a Five Stars Fujian Shipping bulker has committed to pay wage claims and deliver key supplies in a development that could lead to the release of the troubled bulker, authorities say.
But the announcement by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) came amid complaints by a International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) representative that the crew is again short of food on the 181,000-dwt Five Stars Fujian (built 2009).
The developments are the latest chapter in a drama on the capesize bulker, which has been the centre of allegations that the crew has been stranded off Australia’s port of Gladstone since mid-July.
ITF assistant coordinator Matt Purcell said Tuesday that the crew’s food supply is dwindling on the Hong Kong-flag ship, according to the Brisbane Times.
The ITF complained two weeks ago of a similar situation, although emergency suppliers were then delivered by crew. The ship is under a detention order.
“AMSA has been in contact will all parties concerned to ensure that the actions required for the lifting of the detention are clearly understood,” the agency said today, according to Gladstone daily The Observer.
When TradeWinds attempted to reach the Chinese shipowner, the phone rang unanswered outside of business hours in Fujian. Five Stars Fujian Shipping also did not immediately respond to an email request for comment.
The charterer has not been identified.
