The Greek owners of a ship arrested at the Port of Tauranga have basically abandoned their crew.

The bulk carrier Lancelot V has been arrested by it's Rotterdam based charterer in the Port of Tauranga.

New Zealand International Transport Workers Federation inspector Grahame McLaren says the crews visas have expired and they're now stranded.

"They are very arrogant owners. They wouldn't respond to any of our emails, they've kept their crew on board for in some cases for over a year - which is in breach of all sorts of maritime laws and regulations, not to mention just inhumane."