Chinese Bulker BBG Wuzhou Banned from Australian Ports After Seven Months of Unpaid Wages

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has issued a six-month ban against the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier BBG Wuzhou (81,895 DWT) following an inspection at Newcastle that uncovered seven months of unpaid crew wages totalling nearly A$69,000 (approximately US$49,000).

The vessel, built in 2016 and owned and managed by Chinese interests, departed Newcastle on April 7 bound for Singapore. AMSA subsequently issued the ban, barring BBG Wuzhou from Australian ports and waters until October 4, 2026.

In addition to the wage violations, inspectors found insufficient food supplies, failure to provide free drinking water, and multiple unseaworthiness deficiencies. The vessel was detained as substandard prior to departure.

"Australia has zero tolerance for such conduct. It is unlawful, unethical, and a clear breach of our laws and values," said Greg Witherall, AMSA Acting Executive Director Operations. "Vessel bans are costly, with some operators facing losses of millions of dollars by being denied access to Australian ports."

The action marks the second Australian port ban issued in 2026. In March, the Liberian-flagged bulker Ocean Bright (also Chinese-owned) was banned for six months following the discovery of more than US$32,000 in unpaid wages owed to eight crew members. AMSA said both cases should serve as a clear warning to maritime employers of their obligations under the Maritime Labour Convention, which requires timely wage payment, safe accommodation, adequate rest, and access to crew welfare support.