JI ZHE 3
18 seafarers abandoned on the JI ZHE 3 (IMO 8599796, flag Panama) in Djibouti, Djibouti, 1 September 2024. ILO case 1148, status: Resolved.
- Status
- Resolved
- Abandonment ID
- 1148
- IMO Number
- 8599796
- Flag
- Panama
- Port of Abandonment
- Djibouti, Djibouti
- Abandonment Date
- 1 September 2024
- Notification Date
- 30 November 2024
- Seafarers
- 18
- Reporting Org.
- International Transport Workers' Federation
Circumstances
4 seafarers have been receiving less than what their contracts stipulate; also there is no fresh water on board and low quantity of food
Seafarers applied to insurer: Yes
Insurance certificate dates: 29th November 2023 to 29th November 2024
Updates
28 August 2025: International Transport Workers' Federation
All the remaining crew were repatriated home.
Resolved.
14 March 2025: Panama
(From the Panama Maritime Authority)
In response to the labor complaint filed against the vessel “JIZHE 3”, with IMO No. 8599796, we provide you with the latest communications:
1. By means of an email dated November 18, 2024, a labor complaint was received from one of the crew members of the vessel in which he indicates:
As of November 18, 2024, crewmembers confront serious problems on board, including:
- Unpaid wages ($750 instead of $1200).
- Remaining in high-risk zone (Gulf of Aden) without notice or compensation.
- Ship detained and documents withheld for running aground on August 27.
- Lack of fresh water, using unhealthy water for hygiene and cooking.
- Electricity outages and ineffective emergency generator.
- Crew is out of control and depressed. Urgent help is requested to resolve this critical situation.
2. Through Email dated November 20, 2024, the PMA sent the 1st communication addressed to Ship owners, Operator and/or Local Resident Agents, communicating the labor complaint filed against the vessel, and requesting the measures adopted to correct such deficiencies.
3. As of December !2, 2024, the ITF inspector reported that the Chinese crew received September wages, while October wages are still pending. The Myanmar crew has not received their outstanding wage difference. The crew is also
concerned about fuel and fresh water shortages, inconsistent owner responses, and uncertainty about the vessel's stay in Djibouti.
4. On December 12, 2024, the shipowner was informed of unresolved issues, including October payments and outstanding wages for the Myanmar crew. They were urged to address the crew's situation promptly and provide payment receipts to avoid potential sanctions from the flag state.
5. On December 13, the ITF inspector informed that a court hearing regarding local claims against the vessel is scheduled for December 24, 2024. It is expected that the crew may be replaced and repatriated soon after. It is crucial that the crew's wage claims are settled by the owners or the financial security provider,
Thomas Miller Specialty, before the seafarers sign off.
6. On January 22, 2025, the owner was informed of unresolved issues regarding the Myanmar crew's wages. Since joining the ship, two Able Seamen have received only USD 750 instead of USD 1,200 per month, and the Wiper and Deck
Cadet have received USD 100 instead of USD 550. In December 2024, the owners unilaterally reduced their pay (A/Bs to USD 900 and Wiper/D/C to USD 200), but the crew refused to sign new contracts. The owner was urged to confirm when the crew will be paid in full and repatriated and to provide payment receipts promptly to avoid sanctions from the flag state.
10 March 2025: International Transport Workers' Federation
4 Myanmar seafarers received full wages until the end of January 2024, while the wages for the month of January 2025 were supposed to be paid in the end of February 2025 – awaiting crew confirmation. The issue of their replacement / repatriation has not yet been resolved as the vessel remains under detention by the local Authorities in Djibouti for causing environmental damage to coral reef at the Maskali bank. Another problem is with the drinking water which was initially resolved, now re-emerged because of the old filters in the ship’s water purification system.
This case is now marked as "disputed".
24 February 2025: International Transport Workers' Federation
One of the ITF Seafarers’ Support team is currently dealing with this case. I will make sure that they receive this additional information.
24 February 2025: Other
(From the abandoned seafarer on board)
I am writing to bring to your urgent attention the ongoing humanitarian and contractual issues faced by the crew of MV JI ZHE 3 (IMO: 8599796), currently anchored at Djibouti. I am serving as an AB (Able Seaman) on board the vessel. The ship, a Panama-flagged container vessel, has been detained in Djibouti since 27th August 2024 due to grounding.
Despite our repeated efforts to resolve the following critical issues with the company, we have not received adequate responses or solutions. We kindly request your intervention to ensure the following matters are addressed promptly:
1. **High-Risk Area Benefits**:
We have formally requested the company to provide the High-Risk Area (HRA) benefits owed to us, as per maritime labor conventions. However, the company has failed to address this issue despite our emails dated **6th February 2025** and **13th February 2025**.
2. **Repatriation to Home Country**:
The crew has been stranded on board for an extended period, and we have repeatedly requested repatriation to our home countries. The company has refused to facilitate crew changes, citing restrictions from the port authorities. We urge the Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority to permit crew changes on humanitarian grounds.
3. **Provision of Safe Drinking Water**:
We have raised concerns about the quality and availability of safe drinking water on board. This is a basic necessity and a fundamental right under the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006. Despite our requests, the company has not resolved this issue.
We have made multiple attempts to communicate with the company, including reminder emails on **17th February 2025**, but have received no satisfactory response. The prolonged detention and lack of resolution have caused significant physical and mental distress to the crew.
We humbly request the following actions:
- **Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority**: Permit crew changes on humanitarian grounds and ensure the provision of basic necessities, including safe drinking water.
- **Port State Control (PSC)**: Conduct an inspection of the vessel to verify compliance with international maritime labor standards.
- **International Maritime Organization (IMO)** and **International Labour Organization (ILO)**: Intervene to ensure the company fulfills its obligations under international maritime conventions, including the MLC, 2006.
We trust that your esteemed organizations will take immediate action to address these issues and ensure the well-being and rights of the crew are upheld.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
19 January 2025: International Transport Workers' Federation
Flag State is taking up the crew complaints with the owners. Fuel and fresh water delivered to the vessel, although limits imposed on f/w usage (use of buckets only). All crew received wages for September and October 2024, but the difference in what Myanmar crew received and was supposed to receive under contracts is not settled. Crew repatriation is pending discussion / permission from the local Authorities. No response / acknowledgement from the financial security provider.
30 November 2024: International Transport Workers' Federation
The vessel ran aground off Djibouti harbour on 27th August 2024 and is currently detained for reportedly causing environmental damage to coral reef at the Maskali bank. Crew documents are withheld by the port authority. Chinese crew members are afraid to complain.