Key Takeaways
- The former Interislander ferry Aratere was sold to Jahaj Solutions (FZE) in October 2023, renamed Vega, and has been anchored in Tasman Bay since December awaiting demolition in India.
- Indian crew members aboard Vega claim they have been at sea for six months, want to return home, and allege their requests to leave have been refused, causing mental stress and family concerns.
- Maritime New Zealand states the crew’s contracts are valid, expire in mid‑May, and that seafarers may leave earlier at their own cost; the operator plans repatriation or contract renegotiation before expiry.
- The Associate Transport Minister and Human Rights Commission emphasize seafarer welfare, the right to freedom of movement, and the need for decent working and living conditions while the ship remains in New Zealand waters.
- The Environmental Protection Authority cannot finalize export paperwork until India issues an import consent for Vega, delaying the ship’s departure for dismantling.
Background and Sale of the Vessel
The Interislander ferry Aratere was withdrawn from service by KiwiRail in August 2023. In October of the same year, KiwiRail announced the sale of the vessel to Jahaj Solutions (FZE), a ship‑recycling company based in the United Arab Emirates. Following the purchase, the ferry was renamed Vega and transferred to the ownership of Jahaj Solutions, which intended to tow the ship to a breaking yard in India for scrapping. Since December 2023, Vega has remained anchored in Tasman Bay, awaiting the necessary clearances for its final voyage to the Indian subcontinent.
Crew Composition and Length of Service
A significant portion of Vega’s crew consists of Indian nationals who have been living and working aboard the ship since the ownership transfer in October. According to statements received by RNZ, some crew members have spent approximately six months continuously at sea, with no opportunity to disembark or return to their home country. The crew have expressed that they have families and pressing personal responsibilities awaiting them in India, and that the prolonged confinement has contributed to severe mental stress.
Allegations of Restricted Movement and Refused Requests
Crew members told RNZ that their formal requests to leave the vessel have been denied, and they feel compelled to remain on board without a clear timeline for repatriation. They described the situation as being “forced” to stay, despite having completed or nearing the end of their contractual obligations. These claims have not been independently verified by RNZ, but they have prompted scrutiny from regulatory bodies and human‑rights advocates.
Maritime New Zealand’s Position on Contracts
Maritime New Zealand responded to the concerns by affirming that the seafarers’ employment contracts remain valid and have not expired. The agency stated that the majority of contracts are set to expire in mid‑May 2024, after which the ship’s operator, Jahaj Solutions, assumes responsibility for repatriating the crew. Maritime NZ added that seafarers who wish to depart before contract expiry may do so, but they would be expected to cover their own travel costs, a standard provision in many maritime employment agreements.
Operator’s Stated Plans for Repatriation
According to Maritime NZ, the ship’s operator has communicated intentions to either repatriate the crew when their contracts conclude in mid‑May or to renegotiate terms with those who wish to continue service. The operator claims that plans are already underway to facilitate these actions prior to the contractual expiry date, ensuring that crew members are not left stranded against their will.
Government and Ministerial Commentary
Associate Transport Minister James Meager echoed the regulator’s findings, emphasizing that the safety and welfare of seafarers are paramount. He noted that Maritime NZ had spoken with every crew member aboard Vega earlier in April and reviewed all contracts, confirming their validity. The minister added that, should any irregularities be discovered, Maritime NZ would exercise its regulatory authority to compel the ship’s agent and the flag state (St Kitts and Nevis) to take corrective measures.
Human Rights Commission Concerns
Oliver Christeller, a senior adviser at the Human Rights Commission, highlighted the particular vulnerability of foreign workers on non‑New Zealand‑flagged vessels operating within the country’s territorial waters. He argued that international human rights standards uphold the right to freedom of movement, including the ability to leave any country and return to one’s homeland. Christeller urged the vessel’s owners and associated businesses to actively facilitate repatriation for those who wish to go home, and to ensure that remaining crew members enjoy decent working and living conditions while on board.
Environmental and Export Licensing Hurdles
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has indicated that it cannot finalize the export application for Vega until it receives an import consent from the Indian authorities. Dr. Fernando Torres‑Velez, the EPA’s general manager for hazardous substances and new organisms, explained that without this documentation, the export process remains incomplete. Consequently, the ship’s departure for the Indian breaking yard is contingent on resolving this regulatory requirement, and no definitive date for refuelling in Port Nelson or subsequent sailing to India has been confirmed.
Port Visits and Inspections
In early April, Vega entered Port Nelson for a brief stay to take on fresh water, provisions, and to dispose of waste. During this port call, Maritime NZ inspectors boarded the vessel and interviewed every crew member. According to the agency, none of the crew raised welfare concerns during the inspection, a fact that contrasts with the later allegations made to RNZ regarding restricted movement and mental strain.
Current Status and Outlook
As of the latest reports, Vega remains anchored in Tasman Bay, awaiting the resolution of both contractual and export‑licensing matters. The crew’s contracts are slated to expire in mid‑May, at which point the operator is expected to either arrange repatriation or negotiate new terms. Meanwhile, the EPA awaits Indian import consent, and the Human Rights Commission continues to monitor the situation, advocating for the seafarers’ right to return home and for adequate living conditions while they remain aboard the ship. The outcome will hinge on the cooperation of Jahaj Solutions, the flag state, and New Zealand regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with both labor and environmental obligations.