The Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to seafarer welfare with the successful repatriation of 22 Indian crew members from MT Nirvana. This long-standing case of crew abandonment has been successfully closed, thanks to the decisive action by DG Shipping, with vital support from the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF).
The vessel had been placed under judicial arrest following a prolonged legal dispute, leaving the crew stranded at Bhavnagar anchorage. However, acting on a distress appeal from the affected seafarers, DG Shipping swiftly mobilized resources and collaborated with key stakeholders to achieve a humanitarian breakthrough, backed by the Hon’ble Gujarat High Court.
Key Actions Taken:
• Partnered with RPS agency and ITF to provide legal assistance to the crew
• Provided provisions, water, and welfare assistance to the crew
• Coordinated replacement crew deployment and necessary wage settlements post-auctioning
• Facilitated safe repatriation of the abandoned crew
• Secured food, water, and provisions for the replacement crew until the vessel’s auction and sale
This landmark case serves as a global model for resolving crew abandonment through timely legal coordination, industry collaboration, and proactive flag-State intervention. It can be a valuable reference for maritime nations, Human Element researchers, and future ILO deliberations on effective abandonment response mechanisms.
Marex Media