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‘A few rotten apples’ brought disrepute over crew change: HK associations‘A few rotten apples’ brought disrepute over crew change: HK associations

With crew change in the spotlight in Hong Kong following a third wave of the Covid-19 virus the shipowners and liner shipping associations have written to the local press stressing the vital role seafarers play as key workers and urging support, not bias.

Marcus Hand, Editor

July 29, 2020

2 Min Read
Bjorn Hojgaard 4
Bjorn HoojgaardPhtoto: Anglo Eastern

In a letter published in the South China Morning Post, Bjorn Hojgaard, chairman of the Hong Kong Shipowners Association and Roberto Giannetta, chairman, Hong Kong Liner Shipping Association, addressed media reports about the “irresponsible behaviour” of a few in the shipping industry.

“A few rotten apples have brought disrepute to their peers and the industry, which has been working hard to ensure the smooth operation of the world’s supply chain for essential items such as food, fuel and medical supplies, during this most difficult time.

“We are extremely disappointed with this. We have urged international and local unions to remind their members to strictly follow all rules, protocols and precautionary measures set by port authorities and shipping companies to protect public health. We have also suggested the government impose penalties on any parties who break the rules,” the letter said.

Hong Kong had allowed unrestricted crew change from 9 June, but from 29 July this has been restricted to only vessels carrying out cargo operations in the port, following a number of Covid-19 cases involving sea and air crew. Testing requirements have also been introduced.

The letter noted that the associations had advised their members to take additional precautions when unrestricted crew change was allowed from 9 June, including all seafarers to have a negative Covid-19 test before arriving in Hong Kong.

Related:Hong Kong to allow unrestricted crew changes

“We also recommended other possible precautionary measures to the government. These included requiring all seafarers to test negative again on their arrival in Hong Kong and imposing penalties on companies and individuals breaking the rules,” the letter said.

On 20 July, with local infections on the rise, the two associations asked their members to postpone crew changes by at least three weeks.

The letter concluded: “Once again, we would like to stress that like other ‘key workers’, seafarers are essential for the global community to fight this battle against the virus. Without these heroes at sea, world trade would come to a halt. If any of them are unfortunately infected, they deserve our support, not bias.”

 

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About the Author

Marcus Hand

Editor

Marcus Hand is the editor of Seatrade Maritime News and a dedicated maritime journalist with over two decades of experience covering the shipping industry in Asia.

Marcus is also an experienced industry commentator and has chaired many conferences and round tables. Before joining Seatrade at the beginning of 2010, Marcus worked for the shipping industry journal Lloyd's List for a decade and before that the Singapore Business Times covering shipping and aviation.

In November 2022, Marcus was announced as a member of the Board of Advisors to the Singapore Journal of Maritime Talent and Technology (SJMTT) to help bring together thought leadership around the key areas of talent and technology.

Marcus is the founder of the Seatrade Maritime Podcast that delivers commentary, opinions and conversations on shipping's most important topics.

Conferences & Webinars

Marcus Hand regularly moderates at international maritime events. Below you’ll find a list of selected past conferences and webinars.

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