London: The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) is demanding that Allseas Group, the owner of a ship that honours convicted Nazi war criminal Pieter Schelte, immediately change the vessel’s name.
The Pieter Schelte, which lays claim to being the largest ship afloat, is contracted by Shell to service its Brent platforms situated on the UK continental shelf. It was named in honour of the Allseas Group’s owner’s father, who was a Nazi Waffen-SS officer.
ITF president Paddy Crumlin said the vessel’s name was a disgrace and it should not be permitted to operate in UK or European waters.
“For Allseas to name its vessel after a convicted Nazi war criminal is utterly shameful,” he said.
“To even countenance honouring a Waffen-SS officer just shows how twisted, arrogant and out-of-touch Allseas management is.
“It is worth noting that Allseas has a long history of seeking to drive down safety standards and working conditions for seafarers the world over. It is this group that the Australian Government is taking its lead from when it comes to driving changes to its offshore visa arrangements.
“The decision from Allseas management to honour a Nazi war criminal should serve as a potent reminder to the world of just what sort of outfit Allseas Group really is.”
ITF general secretary Steve Cotton commented: “It is almost unthinkable that Allseas would have a vessel honouring a senior Nazi war criminal operating in European waters. It is nothing short of a grave insult. The Pieter Schelte should not be permitted to operate until it changes its name.”
