The Suez Canal Authority has granted permission for three crew members of the Ever Given to be relieved as to their contracts expire, the ship’s technical manager Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM) has confirmed.
BSM gave its latest update today on the status of the vessel and the 25 Indian nationals who remain on board. According to the update, all on board are “safe, in good health and good spirits,” with full internet access to communicate with their families. The vessel is also fully stocked with food, “including 20 days of fresh fruit and vegetables, and a resupply of fresh drinking water” that was completed on April 17. All crew wages have also been paid in full.
Day-to-day operations on board the Ever Given are continuing with the crew conducting routine fire and safety drills alongside on-going planned vessel maintenance.
At the time of the ship’s grounding, all crew members on board were within the terms of their contracts, BSM said. “However, delays in allowing the vessel to depart mean that three crew members are now due to be relieved,” and the Suez Canal Authority has granted requests to allow the overdue crew to depart the vessel, BSM said.
“Minimum safe manning standards for the vessel will be maintained at all times and crew members who depart the vessel are being relieved,” BSM said.
The Ever Given has been anchored in the Great Bitter Lake in the middle of the Suez Canal since the ship was refloated on March 29. It is now caught in a legal dispute as the Suez Canal Authority seeks $916 in compensation from the ship’s Japanese owner.
Earlier in April, the SCA allowed two crew members to depart the vessel for urgent personal reasons.
“Our utmost priority remains the safety and wellbeing of our crew. We are in regular contact with them and their families, offering all necessary support. While we are hoping that the vessel and her crew will be able to resume the voyage as soon as possible, we are incredibly proud of our master and crew who have and continue to perform their duties to the highest standards with exceptional professionalism under difficult circumstances,” says Ian Beveridge, CEO at BSM.
Earlier this month, representatives from the International Transport Workers Federation visited the vessel for a welfare check where they were able to speak with the crew and confirm everybody on board remains safe and in good health. The Mission for Seafarers were also able to make a visit aboard to provide emotional and spiritual support to those onboard.
Join the gCaptain Club for curated content, insider opinions, and vibrant community discussions.
Join the 110,112 members that receive our newsletter.
Have a news tip? Let us know.
European Union envoys will discuss a 15th package of sanctions on Wednesday in response to Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, including on tankers carrying Russian oil and Chinese firms involved in making drones for Moscow, EU diplomats said.
Energy giant Eni and global shipping leader MSC Group have signed a groundbreaking memorandum of understanding to advance their joint pursuit of sustainable shipping and energy transition initiatives. The collaboration...
Officials from Mexico, Canada and China warned U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's threat of imposing hefty tariffs on goods from the three largest U.S. trading partners would harm the economies of all involved and would risk aggravating inflation and damaging job markets.
Access exclusive insights, engage in vibrant discussions, and gain perspectives from our CEO.
Sign Up
Maritime and offshore news trusted by our 110,112 members delivered daily straight to your inbox.
Essential news coupled with the finest maritime content sourced from across the globe.
Sign Up
Join The Club
