The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has taken the unprecedented step of banning Varun controlled ships from calling in its waters.
The UAE’s Federal Transport Authority says the move was due to Varun’s “repeated cases of seafarer abandonment” in recent years at UAE ports.
“All ships belonging to the subject company are banned from calling at UAE ports or anchoring in UAE waters till further notice,” the FTA said in a circular seen by TradeWinds.
“We hereby urge all ports and ship’s agents to comply with this circular and stop dealing with subject company’s ships to avoid any liabilities.”
In particular it highlighted the latest case which involves the crew of the 57,214-cbm LPG carrier Maharshi Vamadeva (built 1991).
Last month, TradeWinds reported that the ship’s crew sent out a mayday claiming they were stranded onboard in dire conditions off Fujairah in the UAE with no food or pay.
It emerged that the ship had been arrested in June by Drydocks World over alleged unpaid ship repair bills.
On Thursday TradeWinds reported that the Maharshi Vamadeva was one of eight LPG carriers the cash-strapped Indian shipowner had put up for scrap sale.
