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Northern Star - Palau - 1 April 2026 -  resolved 

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Northern Star
 resolved 
01695
Palau: flag image Palau
9462990
Asphalt/Bitumen Tanker
Al Hamriyah, United Arab Emirates
Sun Marine and Trading Management Ltd

Right

1 April 2026
15 April 2026
International Transport Workers' Federation
17
India (17)

Circumstances

Outstanding wages for 2 months

Seafarers applied to insurer?:No
Insurance certificate dates: 25th November 2025 to 24th November 2026

Case details

14 April 2026: Flag State informed
Contacted the owners, flag state and port authorities
15 April 2026: Repatriation pending

15 April 2026: Payment Pending
Outstanding wages:
TBC

5 June 2026: Paid

Comments and observations

5 June 2026: International Transport Workers' Federation
Crew paid their outstanding wages. Resolved.


25 May 2026: Other
(From the Northern Star Maritime)

Further to the previous correspondence concerning M.T. NORTHERN STAR (IMO: 9462990), we hereby confirm that all outstanding crew wages, including HRA allowance, have been fully settled and remitted to the respective crew members. The relevant TT confirmations and supporting documentary evidence have already been shared with all concerned parties for verification and records. We further note that the Palau Ship Registry Administration has already confirmed to the relevant authorities, including ITF, ILO, and IMO, that the settlement of wages due to the seafarers onboard the vessel had been effected and received on 16th and 17th April 2026.

The Owners and Managers would also like to place on record that, at no point during this period, was there any intention to neglect the crew, abandon the vessel, or avoid obligations under the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006) or the applicable Seafarers’ Employment Agreements.
We would further respectfully point out that, as per the ITF complaint dated 1st April 2026(Same attached) , the claim referred to alleged overdue wages for both February 2026 and March 2026. While we acknowledge that the February 2026 wages were delayed, we are unable to understand how the wages for March 2026 could have been considered overdue as of 1st April 2026.

As per the DMLC / MLC requirements under:
“Payment of wages (Regulations 2.2 & 2.5 – Standard A2.5.2), wages due to seafarers serving onboard shall be paid at intervals not exceeding one month and in accordance with their Seafarer Employment Agreements or any applicable collective bargaining agreement.”

Accordingly, the March 2026 wages had not exceeded the one-month period as of the date of the complaint. Nevertheless, despite the banking and compliance-related delays already explained in our previous correspondence, the Owners and Managers proceeded to settle both February and March 2026 wages together by 16th–18th April 2026 in order to resolve the matter promptly and avoid any inconvenience to the crew.

The temporary delay in remittance arose solely due to banking, compliance, and KYC-related issues connected with the establishment and operation of our UAE banking arrangements, which were further impacted by exceptional regional circumstances and operational disruptions beyond our immediate control. These issues have since been resolved.

Throughout the relevant period:
• The vessel continuously received provisions, fresh water, technical, and operational support from the Owners and Managers.
• Regular communication was maintained between shore management, the Master, and the crew.
• Necessary arrangements were continuously being made to process and release the crew wage payments.

In view of the above facts, the Owners and Managers respectfully submit that the circumstances did not constitute “abandonment” within the meaning and intent of MLC 2006 Standard A2.5.2, as the vessel and crew remained continuously supported and managed throughout the relevant period.

The entire matter appears to have been diverted into an allegation of abandonment against the Owners and Managers, which, with due respect, does not accurately reflect the actual circumstances surrounding the vessel and crew during the relevant period.
As all outstanding wage payments have now been settled and the matter stands resolved from our side, we respectfully request that the present case be formally considered closed and that no further escalation action be pursued against the Owners, Managers, or the vessel.
We would appreciate receiving your formal closure confirmation/report at the earliest convenience for our official records and further submission to the concerned authorities. Also we appreciate the cooperation extended by all parties toward resolving this matter and remain committed to maintaining full compliance with all applicable maritime obligations and crew welfare requirements going forward.


20 May 2026: Palau
(From the Palau Ship Registry)

In continuation of the below eMail message, this Flag Administration would like to follow up on the Abandonment case of M/V NORTHERN STAR (IMO9462990), dated 1st of April 2026.
To our knowledge, and as per the previously provided link containing documentary evidence, as officially reported to ITF and ILO, the settlement of wages due to the seafarers onboard the vessel has been effected and received as of the 16th and 17th of April 2026.
By the means of the present message, we would like to kindly seek for your update on the case, or any subsequent information received for our further reference and acitons.

Palau Ship Registry Administration greatly appreciates your continued cooperation and commitment towards the resolution of this case.
Looking forward receiving your updates.


14 May 2026: Palau
(From the Palau Ship Registry)

Kindly be advised that, as per the operating company of the vessel, the unpaid wages have been settled.
Please also find attached all relevant bank transfer confirmations for your review and records.


13 May 2026: Palau
(From the Palau Ship Registry)

In response to the below received eMail notification for the case of the vessel NORTHERN STAR (9462990), we would like to confirm that this Flag Administration has initiated relevant communication with the related parties for the resolution of the case and will provide relevant updates, as appropriate.