Union officials have visited the crew of the Ever Given, the 20,000 teu containership which blocked the Suez Canal from 23 to 29 March, on behalf of the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF).
Ever Given is currently held in the Suez Canal after being formally arrested by Egyptian authorities over non-payment of claims amounting to US$916 million.
The officials, from an Egyptian union affiliated with the ITF, made the visit to the 25 Indian crew aboard the ship on Sunday to show the ITF's support. They also provided internet access.
The National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI), another ITF affiliate, has independently stated that it will be giving its full support to the seafarers.
The ITF visit comes amid concerns that the crew will be held aboard for an extended period while negotiations continue between the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) and the ship's insurer. However, the SCA has agreed that two members of the crew can be signed off and replaced now that their contracts have expired.
Tags
More articles
ITF assists crew change for fatigued tanker captain
Recent action by the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) resulted in a successful crew change for a fatigued tanker captain in Tranmere port.
Cost-cutting is increasing risks of another Suez-type shutdown
Experts on tugboats and towage Jacques Kerkhof and Ivan De La Guardia warn that unless critical safety concerns along major waterways are addressed, the world could be in store for another Ever Given-type crisis sooner rather than later