China: Crew Change Suspended For Two Ship Management Firms Over COVID Outbreak

China is officially barring crew change from 2 ship management firms over COVID-19 outbreak in 2 of their vessels anchored in the country.

Omicron Ship Management and Dia Yuan International Shipping will not be allowed to conduct crew change on all their ships for the next 30 days. The directive will be effective from February 8.

Crew Tests Positive

Covid19 was detected in 2 dry bulk vessels belonging to these 2 shipping firms.

Representation Image – Credits: amp.gob.pa

15 crew of Omicron Sky managed by Omicron Ship Management and 21 crew of Asian Spring-managed by Dia Yuan International Shipping are suffering from covid19 at present.

Suspension Will Warn Others

China’s transport ministry has alleged that the ship management companies have failed to control the spread of the disease and didn’t follow proper covid protocol. Their preventive measures weren’t adequate to tackle the disease. The suspension imposed by the Chinese government will serve as a warning to others so that they strictly follow covid preventive measures.

Omicron manages 6 ships whereas Dia Yuan has 17 ships in their fleet.

Reference: argusmedia.com

Source: Maritime Shipping News