Ferbec

Earlier this year, Canada Steamship Lines welcomed M.V. Ferbec, a 49,502 DWT conventional geared bulk carrier equipped with four cranes and grabs, which is now fully operational in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. The vessel, which previously operated in CSL’s Australian fleet as CSL Melbourne, is the largest vessel of its type in the Canadian domestic shipping market. Upon arrival in Québec City on May 13, 2017, the vessel underwent modifications to adapt to its new operating environment. Ferbec is now operating under Canadian flag in the Havre St-Pierre to Sorel corridor for long time-customer Rio Tinto.

Armed police have removed the Australian crew of the bulk alumina carrier, CSL Melbourne, and escorted aboard a foreign crew to sail the ship out of Australian waters. A large contingent of police raided the ship in Newcastle, NSW, at 8.45am Friday, telling the five Australian crew members they must leave their vessel immediately. "About 18 police came on board and ordered us to leave," said crew member Jason Donnellan. Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/national/armed-police-remove-ships-australian-crew-escort-replacements-aboard-20160205-gmml2y.html#ixzz3zHktLjHX Follow us: @smh on Twitter | sydneymorningherald on Facebook

Another Australian ship is being replaced by a foreign one according to the Maritime Union of Australia, as Pacific Aluminium announces its intention to replace CSL Melbourne with a foreign-flagged ship. The CSL Melbourne, which transports alumina from Gladstone to Newcastle, along with its 16 Aussie crew members will lose their jobs as the company claims the vessel is too big for the route, especially following the closure of Kurri Kurri smelter in 2014. The Canadian-controlled company CSL Australia has ordered the crew to sail to Singapore, however the crew members refused to sail the vessel. http://worldmaritimenews.com/archives/181952/aussie-crew-of-another-bulker-lose-jobs-to-foreign-workers/