THB provides update on successful seafarer repatriation scheme

The Transport and Housing Bureau announced today as at 21 June, some 2,700 crew members had undergone rotation since 8 June, under the exemption that allows for seafarers to transit the territory without undergoing a 14-day quarantine.

 

According to the International Chamber of Shipping more than 400,000 seafarers are either stranded at sea and have overrun their contracts or are at shore waiting to start their tours of duty, due to national governments prohibiting crew change.

 

A spokesperson for the Transport and Housing Bureau commented, “Hong Kong has taken a global lead to alleviate the plight of seafarers stranded aboard ships as a result of COVID-19.

 

“We are delighted that the arrangements have enabled more goods vessels, including those without cargo operation, to conduct timely crew change here.  As an international maritime centre, Hong Kong continues to support the international and local shipping community.

 

“Starting from 27 June, we have further extended the exemption arrangements to cover seafarers of passenger ships, including cruise ships.  Subject to meeting certain specific conditions with a view to minimising public health risks, crew change for cruise ships is also allowed.  This new initiative is a practical approach which provides further facilitation for the shipping sector and serves as a relief for the seafarers who have stayed onboard for an excessively long time, while balancing the need to safeguard public health.”

 

“On seafarers’ repatriation, the resumption of transit services at the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) has been implemented in a gradual and coordinated manner since 1 June 2020.  Starting from the week of 15 June 2020, transit passengers who have been checked through at the origin port with their boarding passes printed and baggage tagged-through to the final destination can take transit flights operated by different airlines under the same air ticket.

 

“Currently, transit/transfer services at HKIA to all Mainland China destinations are not available.  We have reminded airlines to conduct all necessary verification to ensure that their transit passengers will be accepted at the final destinations before allowing them on board,” the spokesperson concluded.

 

Source:hongkongmaritimehub

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