Crew change operations essential for Hong Kong and the global community

The Hong Kong Shipowners Association (HKSOA) and the Hong Kong Liner Shipping Association (HKLSA) stressed the importance of facilitating crew change operations and supporting seafarers, which are in the interest of the global community including Hong Kong.
 
Seafarers from  all over  the world  are making an  essential contribution  to ensuring that the global supply chain of all vital goods, such as fuel, food and medical supplies, continues to function at this difficult time. Indeed, world seaborne trade is estimated to account for 90% of world trade. Like other “key workers”, seafarers deserve our support and respect.
 
As directed by the United Nations International Maritime Organisation, it is incumbent on governments to take measures to facilitate crew change operations. Hong Kong, as the world’s 4th largest ship register and a leading maritime centre, has taken practical measures to facilitate crew change operations so that those seafarers who have already been serving on ships for many months without a break can go home to see their families and take a rest at home after expiry of their contracts.
 
These days, there is public concern about imported infection cases from certain categories of people coming to Hong Kong, including seafarers. In this regard, the industry fully supports the government to take all necessary measures to protect the local community. These include, among others, requiring seafarers to take a virus test within 48 hours prior to departing for the Hong Kong airport, and to take another virus test on their arrival at the airport. Also, in view of the recent, fast-changing COVID-19 situation in Hong Kong, the two Associations have already asked their member companies to postpone or re-schedule their crew changes in the Hong Kong port for at least three weeks, unless those operations are absolutely necessary for ship safety or on compassionate grounds.

“The coronavirus pandemic impacts us all. Nobody can tell how this will play out eventually, but what we do know is that shipping, as the facilitator of the world supply chain,  is indispensable  for human beings  to win  this battle.”  Bjorn Hojgaard, Chairman of the HKSOA said. “Seafarers are Key Workers and need to be able to go to and from work, as we expect from doctors, nurses and first responders. Otherwise the global economy will come to a screeching halt. Many other major ports in the world have already gradually made special arrangements to facilitate crew changes. Hong Kong, as part of the global community and a global maritime centre, should play its role too.”
 
Roberto Giannetta, Chairman of the HKSLA, said, “In this difficult time for all, the most important thing is for the global community, including Hong Kong, to work together for the common good. Currently, about 300,000 seafarers unfortunately remain trapped at sea. Crew change that relieves these stranded crew and enables world trade to continue is essential for every reason. In view of the fast-changing situation in Hong Kong, our government has already put in place a mechanism to facilitate crew change operations, whilst not compromising public health or safety. These procedures, mutually discussed and supported by industry and the government, are designed to enable efficient and safe crew change in Hong Kong. Not only do they include asking seafarers to take the virus test within 48 hours before coming to Hong Kong and to take another test upon their arrival at the airport, but they also require the shipping companies and agents to provide isolated, point-to-point transportation from arrival to departure to avoid contact with the local population. We will continue to urge all shipping companies, agents and seafarers to continue to strictly follow the rules and protocols set by respective governments and port authorities.”

Source:XINDE MARINE NEWS

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