Australia’s maritime regulator has banned the bulk carrier Ocean Bright from entering the country’s ports for six months after investigators found the crew had not been paid for two months.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) launched an inspection after receiving a complaint from seafarers aboard the Liberia-flagged vessel while it was docked at Newcastle, New South Wales.
The investigation revealed that eight crewmembers were owed a total of $46,334 in unpaid wages.
The vessel was detained after arriving at the Port of Newcastle on January 20, 2026, according to ship-tracking data.
During the port state control inspection, AMSA also identified 18 deficiencies, including four detainable deficiencies, prompting the detention of the vessel. After the issues were rectified, authorities ordered the ship not to return to Australian waters until September 4, 2026.
Under the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), shipowners must meet minimum standards for seafarer welfare, including timely payment of wages, safe accommodation, adequate rest, and access to support.
“AMSA will always act decisively when seafarer welfare is confirmed at risk,” said Greg Witherall, AMSA Acting Executive Director Operations. “This detention of Ocean Bright demonstrates active enforcement of the Maritime Labour Convention and our commitment to standing up for seafarers’ rights.”
