Celenova
15 seafarers abandoned on the Celenova (IMO 9268394, flag Spain) in Manila bay, Philippines, 2 February 2020. ILO case 421, status: Resolved.
- Status
- Resolved
- Abandonment ID
- 421
- IMO Number
- 9268394
- Flag
- Spain
- Port of Abandonment
- Manila bay, Philippines
- Abandonment Date
- 2 February 2020
- Notification Date
- 26 February 2020
- Seafarers
- 15
- Reporting Org.
- International Transport Workers' Federation
Circumstances
This case was delayed and complicated by COVID-19.
There is urgency in evacuating the crew as the ship is loaded with dangerous cargo (LPG).
There is not enough bunkering to keep the cargo refrigerated.
Crew requires to get the pending wages (since Octorber 2019) and repatriation ASAP.
P&I Insurer: American Club (20 Feb 2019 - 20 Feb 2020)
Updates
9 December 2020: International Transport Workers' Federation
Cuban crew were paid 4 months wages and repatriated in October 2020 – Resolved
15 October 2020: International Transport Workers' Federation
From ITF Coordinator, Spain
The Cuban seafarers (13) who remained stranded in Manila waiting for an humanitarian flight to allow them to go back to their country, are being repatriated today.
The whole crew ( 15) got the payment of 4 months wages as per the MLC financial security system, which was paid by The American Club.
25 September 2020: International Transport Workers' Federation
Crew were paid under financial security. There are some difficulties in returning Cuban members of crew home due to travel restrictions.
4 September 2020: Philippines
The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) respectfully provides you with our letters dated 10 and 24 July 2020 providing updates on the case of abandonment of Celanova.
However, the updates were already overtaken by events. The following are the latest updates we have as relayed by the Technical Adviser in IMO:
1. On 23 July 2020, the 2 Spanish crew were successfully repatriated to Spain. They also received their full remuneration from the P&I Club.
2. On 30 July 2020, representatives of the American P&I Club led by Captain Malpas boarded MV Celanova to give remuneration to the remaining crew onboard. Port State Control Officers of the PCG assisted the team.
3. The repatriation of the 13 Cuban crew was supposed to be carried out last 05 August 2020 via a humanitarian flight of the Cuban government. However, there was a last-minute flight cancellation due to enhanced COVID-19 restrictions in Cuba. The next tentative flight is scheduled for 20 August 2020.
4. The PCG is closely coordinating with other government agencies and stakeholders to expedite the repatriation of the remaining crew.
5. They are still awaiting confirmation if the 20 Aug tentative flight was taken by the 15 Cuban crew.
Further the Philippine Coast Guard likewise provided the following updates:
1. The Pandiman Philippines, Inc received a communication from Air France and the Ambassador of Cuba that all passenger traffic in and out of Cuba is suspended indefinitely.
2. The crew are currently at the Diamond Hotel.
3. The Pandiman Philippines, Inc are liaising with BOQ, BOI and DFA that the crew be allowed to stay and transfer them to a hotel in Makati that can serve Cuban food.
4. The crew are under MLC 2006 and the American P&I Club will pay their expenses so no burden to the Philippine Government.
5. The Pandiman Philippines Inc, is coordinating with P&I Club and the Spanish Embassy on what are the options and the plan for the crew.
20 May 2020: Philippines
The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) briefed on the actions taken to address the case as below.
1. CURRENT SITUATION OF THE VESSEL
As of 17 May 2020, the vessel had been transferred to outer anchorage of the
breakwater area of the Manila Bay with coordinates Lat: 14.55947 14 degree
33.568 and Long: 129.95872 120 degree 57.523.
2. ISSUES
a. Repatriation of the crew by the flag State, Spain which is conditioned on putting
the vessel at berth.
b. The transfer and the provision of food, water, fuel and other basic services by
Harbor Star would entail costs which the owner refused to shoulder.
8 May 2020: International Transport Workers' Federation
From ITF coordinator (***).
The captain requested the authorisation for the ship to berth, based on humanitarian and safety reasons (no rudder, no bunker, no lights, deficient chains and anchors, garbage on deck with potential fire....)
However, the Filipino authorities answer that they will allow the ship to berth JUST IF A TUG BOAT IS PROVIDED ALONGSIDE THE SHIP IN STAND BY WHILE SHE IS MOORED, and mention nothing about who to pay the tug's service.
25 April 2020: Other
From the Master (***)
They have many serious technical deficiencies including anchor chain, which could cause a big problem.
They declared that they could not be considered responsible of any accident that might happen involving the vessel as the consequence of the deficiencies and facts reported to both - port and flag - authorities.
21 April 2020: Philippines
The Government of Philipppines requested information on the plans of the Government of Spain with regards to the repatriation of the crew members.
Likewise, they informed the Embassy of Spain that they have no issue with allowing the vessel to move closer to shore as requested by its Captain for safety reasons.
17 April 2020: Spain
Govt. of Spain asks Govt. of Philippines to consider the possibility of allowing the ship to
be docked in a safe port of the Philippines.
Following our last communications regarding the situation of the vessel CELANOVA, please find attached a letter addressed by our Director General of the Merchant Marine to the Maritime Industry Authority of the Philippines (MARINA).
Please also note, our dear colleague *** from the Embassy of the Philippines in London is already aware of this letter.
Best regards.
14 April 2020: Spain
let me know you the information we have got from our colleagues in the Spanish Maritime Administration:
- The situation of the vessel CELANOVA is monitored continuously. A daily contact is kept with the crew vessel CELANOVA.
- The Spanish Maritime Administration is focused on the crew members repatriation and works together with all stakeholders (ITF, MLC Insurance Company, etc.) to speed up such process.