Panama has introduced a new compulsory checklist for bulkers heading to Australia after two ships registered with the flag state received lengthy bans due to major safety and maintenance issues.
In May, Australian authorities slapped a three-year ban on Aswan Shipping’s 97,000-dwt Maryam (built 2004) and an 18-month ban on its 91,800-dwt Movers 3 (built 2002).
Both had a litany of problems ranging from unsafe working and living conditions to unpaid wages and other Maritime Labour Convention abuses, including expired contracts.
