Underpaid Crew Remain Cut Off From Shore For Over 50 Days On Ex-Interislander Ferry

The Maritime Union of New Zealand (MUNZ) has raised concerns about the welfare and pay of crew members aboard the former Interislander ferry Aratere, now operating under the name Vega, which has been anchored in Tasman Bay for more than 50 days.

The vessel is awaiting permission to sail to India, where it is scheduled to be dismantled at a specialist ship recycling yard.

According to the union, crew members have been on board for nearly two months while the vessel remains at anchor.

MUNZ has called on Maritime New Zealand to carry out an independent welfare inspection to ensure the crew are safe, properly paid and able to seek repatriation if they wish.

MUNZ National Secretary Carl Findlay said the union had received reports regarding the wellbeing of those on board.

Contracts reviewed by the union show that the vessel is registered to Jahaj Solutions (F.Z.E), a company based in the United Arab Emirates.

The union stated that documents indicate an able seaman on board is receiving a basic wage of US$206 per month. It added that the International Labour Organization (ILO) minimum basic wage for an able seafarer increased to US$690 per month from 1 January 2026.

Even with overtime and allowances, the total monthly pay for an able seaman was reported to be US$550, which the union said remains below accepted international minimum standards.

Mr Findlay stated that the vessel’s master and agents had reported that the crew were in good health and that adequate provisions were being supplied. However, he said independent verification was necessary.

Maritime New Zealand stated that it takes crew welfare seriously and continues to monitor the situation. A spokesperson said there was currently no specific action underway or planned for the Vega.

The regulator added that it was making general enquiries with crew and relevant authorities regarding their wellbeing. It also advised that concerns about crew welfare on foreign ships in New Zealand waters should be formally reported.

The delay in the vessel’s departure relates to regulatory approvals required for export and import.

KiwiRail announced last October that it had agreed to sell the Aratere to a buyer who would deliver the vessel to a specialist recycling yard in India.

Interislander’s Executive General Manager Duncan Roy said at the time that due diligence and physical inspections of the Indian shipyard had been carried out.

He explained that once ownership transferred, responsibility for crewing the vessel and managing its voyage to the recycling yard would rest with the buyer, subject to review by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).

An EPA spokesperson confirmed that the export application from New Zealand is complete and that relevant documents have been provided to the Indian Competent Authority.

The spokesperson stated that the export process cannot be finalised until import consent is granted by the Indian authority.

The EPA added that it has not been given a timeline for that decision but noted that such applications can take time. The agency said it continues to follow up on progress and provide additional information where required.

The vessel remains under the responsibility of the company that purchased it and is expected to depart once the necessary import consent is obtained.

Reference: MUNZ

Source: Maritime Shipping News