The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) said the 957–teu Vega Auriga (built 2006) had been held three times since July last year.
There were “repeated concerns” for the welfare of the crew, including improper payment of wages, inadequate living and working conditions and inadequate maintenance resulting in an unseaworthy and substandard vessel, it added.
The general manager of AMSA’s ship safety division, Allan Schwartz, said vessels entering Australian ports must ensure they meet minimum international standards.
