Following a high-level meeting this week between the Hong Kong Shipowners Association, the Hong Kong Liner Shipping Association and senior officials of the Transport and Housing Bureau, expectations have been raised that the territory could be used as a hub for seafarers joining or offboarding vessels.
A major impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the prevention of seafarers returning home after completing their contractual tour of duty. Estimates vary but there could be as many as 200,000 seafarers currently working onboard beyond the term of their contract with the possibility of fatigue and mental strain that daily increases the possibility that they will not be able to perform their roles.
Members of the HKSOA and HKLSA informed Secretary of Transport and Housing, Frank Chan of the gravity of the situation while advising the way forward in line with the recommendations made in the IMO Circular Letter No.4204/Add.14 – Recommended framework of protocols for ensuring safe ship crew changes and travel during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Among the recommendations made by the delegation were a removal of the current restrictions imposed in Hong Kong. Currently the territory does allow for offboarding of seafarers when a vessel arrives to discharge cargo at the port but under no other circumstances.
Where seafarers need to join a ship, representatives requested that non-Hong Kong resident seafarers be exempt from restrictions on arriving in Hong Kong by air, and the removal of transit visa requirements. In this regard any arrangement is likely to be subject to cross-department discussion and the delegation has said it is open to participation in the discussions if requested.
The visit to the Government comes at a critical time following the International Transport Workers Federation’s announcement to halt the extension of seafarers expired employment contracts from 15 June.
” If the Government were to action the recommendations put forward by the delegation it would be a tremendous boost to the territory’s aspirations to be a premier maritime centre,” said an industry observer upon hearing of the meeting.
Source:
hongkongmaritimehub
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