Charterers in the dry bulk sector are in the firing line after information has come to light that they have been preventing much-needed crew changes from taking place during the period of the charter, despite the ship owner agreeing to accept the associated costs.
In these instances, charterers have been seen to simply ignore relevant provisions and charter party clauses that could be employed, says INTERCARGO, the body representing the interests of dry bulk sector operators.
“Indeed, it has been reported that bulk carriers changing crews in certain countries in SE Asia are being treated as ‘toxic’ by charterers for the 14 days following crew change,” the organisation says.
“This behaviour flies in the face of industry-wide efforts to offer seafarers the essential rest that they have been so long been deprived of during the Covid-19 pandemic, and which is essential for the safe operation of the shipping sector.
“Ironically, this appalling practice has been reported primarily in the dry bulk sector, where the prevention of seafarer fatigue is of special concern. Bulk carriers on tramp trading routes call at many more ports than other shipping sectors, piling added strain on an already fatigued workforce with no hope of crew change.”
