Rising fuel costs block agreement in maritime talks

Rising fuel costs are standing in the way of a new agreement between the Shipmasters and Navigators Association and the Shipowners’ Association, the Faroese broadcaster KVF reported.

A mediation effort between the two sides, held at KG in Klaksvík, failed to reach an agreement. Mediator Terji Sigurðsson told KVF on Saturday morning that the mediation service had presented a proposal on Friday evening, but both sides rejected it.

Association chairman Arnfinn Garðalíð said fuel expenses had risen sharply in recent times. Crew members must cover part of the vessels’ fuel consumption, and members of his association are required to pay more than one share, he said.

Garðalíð said the association wants to change that arrangement in a new agreement.