The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) issued a three-month ban against the Liberia-flagged bulker FPMC B Forever after a port state control inspection in Newcastle uncovered underpaid crew wages and other violations of the Maritime Labour Convention.
Inspectors boarded the 180,099 dwt vessel on 23 April at the Port of Newcastle. According to AMSA, the crew had been underpaid by almost A$15,000 (US$10,800). Inspectors also found that seafarers were being charged for potable water, which is prohibited under international labour rules.
AMSA detained the ship and immediately banned it from entering Australian waters or ports until 28 July 2026.
The FPMC B Forever was built in China in 2010. It is operated by Formosa Plastics Marine Corporation (FPMC), part of Taiwan’s Formosa Plastics Group. The FPMC fleet consists of more than 40 ships, including bulkers, tankers, and gas carriers.
AMSA Acting Executive Director Operations Greg Witherall said the case should serve as a warning to shipowners and operators attempting to reduce costs at the expense of crews.
“Underpaying seafarers – by any amount – is unlawful and will trigger enforcement action,” Witherall said. “The law is clear: if you underpay your crew, the cost will be far higher than the wages you tried to withhold.”
Australian authorities said the case marks the third vessel ban issued in less than two months over crew welfare and wage violations. Last month, the bulker BBG Wuzhou received a six-month ban for unpaid wages and other deficiencies. Another vessel, Ocean Bright, was also banned earlier this year over similar violations.
AMSA stressed that shipowners must comply with the Maritime Labour Convention, often described as the “seafarers’ bill of rights.” The convention requires timely wage payments, safe accommodation, adequate rest, medical support, and free access to essential onboard services.
The authority warned that operators violating labour standards risk detention, loss of port access, reputational damage, and increased inspections in Australian ports.
