The German navy’s fleet tankers, which are crewed by civilian sailors, are unable to supply its warships operating off the Somali coast because of a labour dispute, according to a defence report obtained Wednesday.
A trade union has refused a clearance for the 329 civilian crew on the four tankers to work extended overtime.
The Defence Ministry declined comment.
The Kieler Nachrichten newspaper reported the vessels were restricted to home waters and could not make trans-ocean voyages, because the crew, who live on board, would only be available for duty for 48 hours per week averaged through the year.
The union refused to renew an accord allowing sailors an annual workload that averages 65 hours per week. The sailors receive extended leave at home to make up for the long hours they work at sea.
The defence document seen by the German Press Agency dpa said this meant the navy did not have adequate manning for longer voyages.
German navy ships are part of Operation Atalanta which protects relief shipments to Somalia from pirate attack. Without refueling at sea from tankers, they must dock in regional ports to obtain fuel.
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