Australia Bans Liberia-Flagged Bulk Carrier Over Crew Underpayment And Unlawful Potable Water Charges

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has issued another shipping ban after inspectors found crew members aboard a Liberia-flagged bulk carrier had been underpaid and unlawfully charged for potable water.

The vessel, FPMC B Forever, operated by Formosa Plastics Marine Corporation (FPMC), was boarded by AMSA inspectors at the Port of Newcastle on April 23, 2026, during a port State control inspection.

During the inspection, AMSA found that the crew had been underpaid by almost AU$15,000.

Inspectors also found that seafarers were being charged for potable water, which is not allowed under the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC). Several other deficiencies were also identified onboard.

Following the inspection, AMSA detained the vessel and issued a ban against Formosa Plastics Marine Corporation.

The ban took effect immediately and prevents the ship from entering Australian ports or waters until July 28, 2026.

This is the third ban issued by AMSA in less than two months over crew wage violations and seafarer welfare concerns.

AMSA Acting Executive Director Operations Greg Witherall said Australian authorities would continue taking enforcement action against operators failing to meet their obligations under the MLC.

Mr Witherall stated that underpaying seafarers by any amount is unlawful and would lead to regulatory action.

He said the case should serve as a warning to ship operators attempting to reduce costs at the expense of crew welfare.

He added that operators risk far greater financial losses than the wages withheld, including disruption to shipping operations and increased scrutiny during future inspections.

Mr Witherall said ship operators must meet their obligations under the Maritime Labour Convention, including paying wages on time, providing safe accommodation, ensuring adequate rest, giving access to support services, and not charging crews for services they are entitled to receive.

He added that seafarers carry out one of the toughest jobs in the world and keep global trade moving in difficult conditions. According to him, paying crews correctly is both a legal and moral responsibility.

Australia has increased its focus on enforcing Maritime Labour Convention standards through port State control inspections in recent years, particularly on issues linked to unpaid wages, crew welfare, and living conditions onboard ships calling at Australian ports.

Operators banned from Australian waters can face major commercial losses, including delays to cargo operations, supply chain disruption, and reputational damage within the shipping industry.

Reference: AMSA