Dubai owner Tomini Shipping has persuaded a bulker crew to discharge a cargo in Bangladesh, ending a stand-off caused by fears of coronavirus contagion.
The Indian master and 21 crew on the 64,000-dwt Tomini Destiny (built 2017) had refused to unload at Chattogram because they said 60 dockers would come on board during operations.
A Tomini spokeswoman told TradeWinds on Tuesday: "Our primary concern has been for the health, well-being and safety of our crew.
"Our management and technical teams have been working around the clock with the relevant maritime authorities and bodies to find a solution.
Solution reached
"I can confirm that we have now reached a resolution, where all the concerns of the master and crew have been addressed. We will be starting discharge this evening."
The action by the seafarers was against the express instructions of the shipowner.
The 22 crew wrote to UK charity Human Rights at Sea to explain their case and state that the Indian captain had exercised his Master's Authority over the vessel and his colleagues under the International Safety Management Code and applicable Safety Management System.
The charity said the master had effectively drawn a "line in the sand" for limiting exposure of his crew to potential infection.
This included rigging razor wire to prevent access to the vessel, closure of hatches and a request for offloading away from the port with a limited numbers of stevedores.
The master’s position was being viewed as unreasonable and overcautious, while other vessels allegedly continued day-to-day operations in the port and anchorages.
The charity said the case highlights a number of wider issues which may well shape future conduct of business in light of the emerging and "indisputable threat" to life of the coronavirus.
Management challenges
The pandemic is increasingly highlighting new management challenges and competing interests between commercial imperatives to deliver contracts, and the health, safety and welfare of crew.
"This tension is resulting in disputes whereby some experienced masters are taking overriding decisions invoking Master’s Authority in the best interests of their crew, bringing them in direct conflict with owners’ business interests. This notes that the master is in overall command of all personnel and operations aboard the ship," it added.
The Marshall Islands flag state administration had been asked by the owner to mediate.
