Talks to begin over ship held under port arrest

THE crewing agency involved in the pay dispute which resulted in a ship being placed under port arrest in Dublin are expected to hold talks today with the International Transport Federation (ITF).

Management representatives of ADG Shipping, the crewing agency involved in the dispute over more than €150,000 arrears of pay on the Merchant Brilliant ferry, were expected to arrive in Ireland late last night.

“I have to say, given my past experience with this crewing agency and documentation in my possession that I am very apprehensive about why they are dragging its feet. Many of the crew feel quite intimidated and I am trying to arrange for one of the young female members to return home,” said ITF inspector Ken Fleming.

The ship was arrested on foot of a court order last Thursday when it tried to flee Dublin Port owing its 20-man Eastern European crew €150,000 in wages.