The owners of the Dali, a ship involved in the Baltimore bridge disaster, have faced scrutiny for labor violations. In 2021, another vessel owned by the same company, Grace Ocean Investment Limited, was banned from Australian ports for exploiting workers. The Western Callao was found to have withheld wages and unlawfully kept seafarers on board for extended periods.
The Dali, operated by Synergy Group, collided with a bridge pillar in Baltimore, causing the presumed deaths of six people. The ship is owned by a Singapore subsidiary of Grace Ocean, which has a history of labor violations. The company's directors, including Yoshimasa Abe, have not responded to inquiries.
The incident highlights the challenges of holding large shipping companies accountable. The industry often uses tax havens and "flags of convenience" to evade regulations. Ian Bray of the International Transport Workers Federation emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability in the global shipping industry.
The Baltimore disaster has raised concerns about supply chain disruptions. However, experts believe the impact on Australia will be minimal. Professor Michael Bell suggests there may be minor disruptions to car imports, while Brian Hack of EES Shipping downplays the overall impact on Australia's supply chain.