Large bulkers divert to Philippines for crew changes
Capesize and panamax bulkers have been re-routing through Manila in order to enable crew changes, a factor that has contributed to the recent spike in spot rates. Lloyd’s List Intelligence data shows the number of port calls has increased sharply compared to the corresponding period in 2019
Manila anchorage has been the most popular choice for crew changes, Lloyd’s List Intelligence data shows. But recent cases of crew testing positive for Covid-19 shortly after coming on board in the Philippines could thwart the activity