The oil tanker Unity, part of Russia’s so-called shadow fleet, has been detained in Murmansk after crew complaints of unpaid wages and poor working conditions.
According to the Seafarers’ Union of Russia, wage arrears amount to nearly $90,000 for 20 crew members. Sailors also reported that satellite communications are not functioning and that some of their contracts have been signed with a company that is not legally listed as the vessel’s owner.
The situation is further complicated by contracts referencing a collective agreement with the union, which the SUR says never existed.
Unity recently switched its flag from Gambia to Lesotho, raising fears among crew that their contracts could be invalidated, leaving them unable to claim unpaid wages through insurers. Murmansk port inspectors have barred the tanker from departure until the violations are resolved.
As part of Russia’s shadow fleet, Unity has a long record of name and flag changes and opaque ownership structures. The vessel has been sanctioned by the UK, EU, Canada, Australia, and Switzerland for its role in transporting Russian oil in circumvention of international restrictions.
