Armony
8 seafarers abandoned on the Armony (IMO 7615012, flag United Republic of Tanzania) in Varna, Bulgaria, 1 April 2026. ILO case 1847, status: Unresolved.
- Status
- Unresolved
- Abandonment ID
- 1847
- IMO Number
- 7615012
- Flag
- United Republic of Tanzania
- Port of Abandonment
- Varna, Bulgaria
- Abandonment Date
- 1 April 2026
- Notification Date
- 15 September 2026
- Seafarers
- 8
- Reporting Org.
- International Transport Workers' Federation
Circumstances
Outstanding wages between 5 and 7 months
Seafarers applied to insurer?: Yes
Insurance certificate dates: 1st July 2026 to 30th September 2026
Updates
29 October 2026: United Republic of Tanzania
(From the TZIRS)
With reference to the ongoing seafarer abandonment case involving MV ARMONY (IMO 7615012), the Tanzania Zanzibar International Register of Shipping (TZIRS) would like to provide the following update on the actions undertaken and the vessel's current situation.
1. Current Vessel Status
The vessel remains in Varna, Bulgaria with an engine failure, according to the latest information received from the ITF inspector, the spare parts required for the vessel's machinery repairs have arrived. However, the repair team has not yet attended the vessel, and the necessary repairs remain pending. The Administration continues to monitor the situation. Since receiving notification of the case, the Administration has initiated follow-up actions with the shipowner, the vessel's Recognized Organization (RO), and other relevant parties to assess the situation and facilitate an appropriate resolution in accordance with the MLC, 2006.
2. Outstanding Crew Wages
The Administration remains concerned about the outstanding wages owed to the eight affected seafarers, reportedly covering approximately five to seven months.
Despite ongoing communications with the shipowner, no documentary evidence confirming settlement of these outstanding wages has been received.
3. Proposed Sale of the Vessel
The shipowner has previously informed the Administration that arrangements are underway for the sale of the vessel.
According to the information provided, the outstanding crew wages are intended to be settled by the prospective buyer and deducted from the vessel's agreed purchase price, as reflected in the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).
The Administration has also received a Letter of Commitment from the prospective buyer concerning the proposed settlement of outstanding crew wages.
However, the proposed payment arrangements remain subject to completion of the transaction, and the Administration has not yet received documentary confirmation that the outstanding wages have been fully settled.
The Administration has emphasized that the proposed sale of the vessel does not relieve the current shipowner of its obligations towards the seafarers under the MLC, 2006.
4. Financial Security and Insurance
The Administration has identified that MV ARMONY (IMO 7615012) currently has no valid and verifiable financial security arrangements in place, as required under the Maritime Labour Convention
5. Seafarer Welfare and Repatriation
The Administration continues to monitor the crew's welfare, including the availability of adequate food, drinking water, medical assistance, and repatriation arrangements.
TZIRS remains in communication with the shipowner and the ITF inspector to obtain updated information.
6. Administrative Follow-Up
The Administration is reviewing further enforcement measures in accordance with the applicable national legislation and the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, as amended.
These measures include consideration of a formal notice of non-compliance and, where legally justified, additional administrative action to ensure the protection of the affected seafarers.
7. Intended Commercial Operations
In response to the Administration's request for clarification regarding the vessel's next intended movements, the shipowner indicated that the current plan is to:
• Complete the necessary machinery repairs in Varna, Bulgaria .
• Proceed to Constanța, Romania, for cargo loading.
• Transport the cargo to Tripoli, Lebanon.
• Subsequently deliver the vessel to the prospective buyer.
These arrangements have been communicated by the shipowner and remain subject to verification, including the vessel's technical condition, applicable Port State Control requirements.
However, the proposed payment arrangements remain subject to completion of the transaction, and the Administration has not yet received documentary confirmation that the outstanding wages have been fully settled.
The Administration has emphasized that the proposed sale of the vessel does not relieve the current shipowner of its obligations towards the seafarers under the MLC, 2006.
8. Administration's Position
We remains committed to ensuring that the rights and welfare of the affected seafarers are protected in accordance with the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006.
While the shipowner has communicated ongoing efforts to repair and sell the vessel and settle the outstanding wages, these arrangements have not yet resulted in a verified resolution of the reported abandonment.
Accordingly, the Administration considers the case ongoing and unresolved, pending satisfactory evidence that the outstanding obligations towards the affected seafarers have been fulfilled.
We will continue monitoring developments and provide further updates as additional verified information becomes available.
20 October 2026: United Republic of Tanzania
(From the TZIRS)
We acknowledge receipt of your below e-mail which is well noted.
Please note that subject vessel is currently registered with us with a permanent status.
Our Seafarers team has been notified, and they will commence the investigation and will take actions as necessary. Upon completion, you will be notified accordingly.
Thanks for your kind cooperation and assistance.
19 October 2026: United Republic of Tanzania
(From the Permanent Mission to the IMO)
Thank you for your email and for bringing this matter to our attention.
We acknowledge receipt of the information regarding the reported abandonment of eight seafarers aboard M/V ARMONY (IMO No. 7615012), reportedly flying the Zanzibar (United Republic of Tanzania) flag, in Varna, Bulgaria.
We have referred this matter to the Zanzibar Maritime Authority (ZMA) for urgent verification and appropriate action.
15 September 2026: International Transport Workers' Federation
PSC has detained the vessel