Federico, I agree that increasing Italian sefarers contracts to 9 months is a retrograde step for *all* seafarers. Philippino seafarers were, & many still are, on 9 months contracts but some large companies, such as Maersk, are reducing this time to 6 months duration.
Regular re-flagging of vessels and replacing Western world seafarers with cheaper crews is, alas, a common feature in today's penny pinching world.
The vast number of new ships being constantly delivered, and the rising world tonnage figures has created a serious problem of *retaining* well trained and effective crews, which is well documented.
In order to achieve this all companies need to invest and train their crews to a high and effective standard, which must include good rates of pay, leave and say a maximum of 4-6 month contracts onboard.
A recent survey found that many seafarers are refusing ships/ companies which do not provide internet access/ email provision for all hands.
Quite right too! The technology is there, let them use it to speak to their loved ones.
Regards, Rick

To be honest I don't like the fact that this ship is registered in London and all the crew is from Taiwan or Philippines! In Italy in these days Evergreen Group is asking a new contract of 9 months to the few Italians working for Italia Marittima SpA in order to save money for the crew change planning! Otherwise they will reflag 12 ships somewhere else and obviously exploiting other people!
This practice is absolutely not fear and authorities should intervene to avoid this sort of threatening practice! It is normal that Italian crew working with 4 months contract on oceangoing worlwide trading ships can't accept the change!

Thanks Allan, I will change the details.
Also confirmed, full Taiwanese officers & crew for first trip...will change to Phillipino crew later.
Regards, Rick

Hi Rick

Evergreen press releases state 8,452 teu

Allan

Hi Captain46, thanks for the comments.
However, there won't be too many Brits on board this vessel - I will confirm later if, in fact, there is even one.
It's just another example of Tonnage Tax regulations > flag of convenience by any other name!
Regards, Rick

Not quite 100% full but looks impressive. Great to see the Red Ensign flying. Thanks.