By the Australian Maritime Safety Authority
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has issued a third ban in less than two months after another shipping company was found to have underpaid its crew, breaching the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC).
On 23 April 2026, AMSA boarded the Liberia-flagged vessel, FPMC B Forever, operated by Formosa Plastics Marine Corporation, in the Port of Newcastle for a port State control inspection.
Inspectors found the crew had been underpaid by almost $15,000 AUD and were being charged for potable water, among other deficiencies, which is an unlawful practice.
AMSA detained the vessel and issued a ban to Formosa Plastics Marine Corporation, prohibiting the vessel from entering Australian ports or waters until 28 July 2026, effective immediately.
AMSA Acting Executive Director Operations, Greg Witherall, said the ban leaves no room for misinterpretation.
“Underpaying seafarers – by any amount – is unlawful and will trigger enforcement action. This action should serve as a clear warning to operators who think they can cut corners at the expense of their crew.
“The law is clear: if you underpay your crew, the cost will be far higher than the wages you tried to withhold.
“Don’t risk it – do the right thing by your crew and meet your obligations under the MLC. This includes timely payment of wages, safe accommodation, adequate rest and access to support, and not unlawfully charging crews for services they’re entitled to receive.
“Seafarers perform one of the hardest jobs in the world and keep global trade moving in harsh conditions. Paying them correctly is not optional – it’s a legal and moral obligation.
AMSA will always support seafarers, advocating to ensure they receive every entitlement owed to them under the law.”
Operators who are denied access to Australian waters or ports can face millions of dollars in lost revenue, supply chain disruption and increased scrutiny in future inspections.
AMSA regulates and implements the MLC in Australia through the Navigation Act 2012 and associated delegated legislation.
