Complete Maritime Profile & Reviews of Cataleya

The bulk carrier Dutch Runner, which has been docked at Port Hawkesbury for an extensive three-year period, is finally preparing to set sail. Scheduled to head to Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, this month, the vessel has faced numerous challenges, including tensions between its new crew, the ship's union, and the owners. Bomboy Pascual, the general manager of Samee Shipping and Logistic Corp, emphasizes the urgency of the situation, stating, "We’re trying to get out of there before the winter. We’ve been there for three years, and if there is anyone who wants to be out of there, we are the ones. We are paying dock fees for nothing." The Dutch Runner, registered under the Panamanian flag, is expected to undergo necessary repairs at dry dock in Santo Domingo. Pascual mentions that the ship requires painting and a classification reassessment, noting that its class certificates expired four years ago. However, before these updates can take place, a newly appointed crew must first board. According to Karl Risser from the International Transport Workers Federation, some crew members have reported issues with unpaid wages and living conditions on the vessel. It has been reported that five sailors have lived on the Dutch Runner for nine months without proper compensation or support.

In a significant shift for freight transport on the Labrador North Coast, the cargo vessel 'Astron' is set to take over delivery duties after the operators of the 'Dutch Runner' announced their withdrawal from service for the remainder of the shipping season. This update comes as the Department of Transportation and Works was informed of the decision on November 29, leaving the contract operator in a challenging position regarding its obligations. Previously, on October 24, 2011, the provincial government had indicated that 'Astron' would serve as a backup to the 'Dutch Runner,' responding to concerns raised by residents about freight delays in their region. Throughout this shipping season, many North Coast residents had expressed anxiety regarding the reliability of the 'Dutch Runner.' In light of this, the Transportation and Works Minister conveyed disappointment over the service levels experienced this year and acknowledged the frustrations felt by the local community. However, assurances have been made that all vital freight will still reach the Labrador North Coast before the season concludes, contingent on favorable weather and ice conditions.

The vessel 'Dutch Runner', identified by IMO number 8712075, was recently placed in a floating dock for drydocking at Tuzla on May 1, 2011. This extensive drydocking, spanning two and a half years, had its initial schedule set for November 2010, with the classification society GL establishing a deadline of May 20. However, during a port state control inspection conducted in December at Rotterdam, the ship faced significant challenges. It was detained for three days after inspectors discovered a staggering 27 defects, ranging from corrosion holes in the deck and bulkheads to critical issues concerning the main engine and auxiliary systems. As a result, essential repairs are now slated to take place in Istanbul.