The container ship Vega Auriga, which made media headlines when it arrived in Tauranga last month after being banned from Australian ports, has clocked up seven departure date cancellations.
Formerly under Mediterranean Shipping Company hire, the ship effectively lost its job when it was barred from Australian ports in August. Defects found during a Maritime NZ safety inspection have been repaired and the ship is now seeking work.
The Australian ban was based on recurring safety issues arising from lack of maintenance of the ship, and the crew not being paid. Unpaid crew is a factor the Australian authority can take into account under the Maritime Labour Convention 2006, which New Zealand has not yet ratified.