MSC has taken a Vega Reederei-managed containership off-hire after it was barred from Australia.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) banned the 1,118-teu MSC Kia Ora (built 2006) for three months for failing to ensure crew were paid in full and on time, and that critical equipment was maintained.

AMSA inspected the ship in Brisbane on 14 March after receiving a complaint which alleged that crew had been underpaid.