Bandero risks being stranded in Icelandic port

Bandero, a ship operated by the Paul Watson organisation, could remain indefinitely in Reykjavík harbour after authorities decided to deport its crew, mbl.is reports. Part of the crew has already left Iceland, leaving it unclear how the vessel can sail back to its home port.

No one can say how long Bandero will remain at the Reykjavík quay. While it is there, the ship is incurring cargo fees and daily berthing charges under the tariff of Faxaflóahafnir, the port authority.

Gunnar Tryggvason, director of Faxaflóahafnir, said the port had warned the authorities that deporting the crew would create obvious difficulties. He said he feared Bandero could simply end up stranded in Iceland, noting that there were precedents for this in other Icelandic ports.

“The shipowner is responsible for paying these charges, and can do so through an Icelandic agent. We warned at the time against deporting the crew and asked the authorities to exercise restraint in their actions,” Gunnar told Morgunblaðið.

Faxaflóahafnir has still received no response from the authorities about the next steps. It therefore remains completely unclear how Bandero will be removed from Reykjavík harbour.

The vessel is currently moored at Miðbakki in Reykjavík, beside facilities belonging to the Icelandic Coast Guard and a short distance from busy restaurants and hotels. Gunnar said it was there because the location serves as a kind of long-term berth.

“Bandero is where we often place ships staying for long periods. It is rather difficult to get there,” he said.

Gunnar said no negative attention linked to the ship’s accessibility had been reported.