Offshore vessel detained at harbour amid ‘crew welfare’ probe

Ben Nevis was detained at Aberdeen Harbour and has been prohibited from leaving until an inspection is carried out.

Jenness Mitchell

6th Oct 2020

An offshore supply vessel has been detained at Aberdeen Harbour amid concern over crew welfare.

Ben Nevis was detained on Monday and has been prohibited from leaving the port until an inspection is carried out.

Operator Global Offshore said it was cooperating with the investigation and stressed that the crew’s wages were paid up-to-date.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) said it had taken action as the Port State Control authority for the UK.

The MCA said the detention was a “preventative measure” in line with UK regulations to allow for a full inspection of the ship related to the Maritime Labour Convention.

Fraser Heasley, the MCA’s assistant director of survey and inspection, said: “We will always take reports around crew welfare seriously and we have used our powers as the Port State Control authority to carry out this detention so that we can investigate more fully.”

Bert Seevinck, managing director of Global Offshore Services BV, said: “The salaries of all crew on the vessel are paid up-to-date, and will continue to be paid timeously.

“The company operates in accordance with the highest Industry standards, and has fully cooperated with the investigation undertaken by the UK Maritime and Coast Guard Agency and expects to continue vessel operations shortly, once compliance is verified.”