Bahri fleet crew-change delays 2020 (aggregate)

Bryan Flowers

2020-2020 · multiple Saudi ports · status: resolved

Opened: 2020-04-01
Closed: 2020-11-01
Port: multiple Saudi ports
Flag: SAU
Shipowner: Bahri (National Shipping Company of Saudi Arabia)
Insurer named on DMLC: P&I coverage in place
Seafarers affected: aggregate
Nationalities: IN, PH, PK, BD

Summary

During the peak COVID-19 travel restrictions in mid-2020, several hundred seafarers across the Bahri (National Shipping Company of Saudi Arabia) fleet were unable to sign off due to Saudi border-closure and Indian/Filipino repatriation quotas. Wages continued to be paid throughout — this is not a classic MLC A2.5.2 abandonment. Bahri is a state-linked owner with strong P&I posture. Cases are catalogued here for the COVID-era pattern of extended-duty rather than abandonment; the crew hardship was real even where insurance and wages were compliant.

Outcome for crew

all repatriated over 4-7 months; wages paid throughout.

Source

Resolution / documentation via: ITF + Neptune Declaration

https://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/HotTopics/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx

Related rights + resources

· Abandonment rights (MLC A2.5.2) — the regulatory framework this case is governed by
· Unpaid wages
· MLC 2006 financial-security providers directory
· International Group P&I Clubs

← All abandonment cases