Coronavirus: Who can rescue 20,000 stranded seafarers?
China’s Ministry of Transport is now taking the lead to facilitate crew changes at domestic ports amid reduced virus infection domestically. But the subsequent quarantine costs could be a huge financial burden for the seafarers’ employers
A recent survey by China Shipowners’ Association found that more than 20,000 crew members will need to be relieved by end-May. This is yet another business cost that was in nobody’s forecasts. Operators will hope for state aid to foot the bill