A Hanjin vessel that had been told it could dock in the US along with three other ships is now being held “hostage”, according to reports.
A judge had previously awarded Hanjin US$10 million for payments to dock and unload at US ports. The Hanjin Gdynia, Hanjin Boston and the Hanjin Greece are all being handled, however the fourth, the Hanjin Jungil, is still being held off the coast of California.
Ilana Volkov, the Lawyer for Hanjin, said: “We’re negotiating with every service provider and they are saying 'I'm not going to let this ship berth, my client is being held hostage’.”
There are currently approximately 35 Hanjin vessels stranded, waiting to be able to dock, lawyers are trying to authorise $50 million to make sure a minimum of four further ships are able to be handled at port.
Hanjin Shipping’s vessels have been stuck offshore or in ports unable to have their cargo handled since the company announced its court receivership on August 31, 2016.
There are concerns for the welfare of the seafarers aboard, who are unable to see their families and whose food and water supplies are slowly dwindling.
PTI reported that the sale of Hanjin’s assets had begun, starting with three vessels having been sold for approximately $39 million.
