First ship detention in Denmark for violation of MLC

The Liberia-flagged offshore supply vessel 'Atlantic Carrier was detained in Esbjerg when PSC inspectors found that the crew was without employment contracts. The detention is the first in Denmark as a result of breach of the requirements of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), CO-Søfart reported.

Danish Maritime Authority on Tuesday conducted a PSC (Port State Control) on board the UK-owned Atlantic Carrier in Esbjerg and detained the vessel for one day.

The MLC came into force on August 20 2013. MLC inspections are now part of the supervisory system in, for example, Port State Control. President of CO-Maritime Ole Philipsen commented said that entry into force of the MLC requirements is the most important measure for seafarers since World War 2. Seafarers conditions on board have not previously been part of the inspectors' duties under the Port State Control.

The Atlantic Carrier company owner said that the ship has been back in the North Sea, where she is operated for the under construction offshore wind farm DanTysk.