Singapore bars seafarers arriving from China coming ashore

In line with measures announced by Singapore barring the entry of non-resident travellers who have travelled to China in the last 14 days or hold Chinese passports, the Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has extended the ruling to seafarers and passengers on vessels calling the country’s ports.

The measures took effect from 23-59hrs on 1 February and also covers all vessels that have called in China in the last 14 days.

“Ships can continue to berth at terminals to carry out operations,” MPA said.

Vessels calling at Singapore that have called in mainland China in the last 14 days are required to submit a Maritime Declaration of Health Form.

The MPA also urges all crew members to have their temperature taken twice daily.

On 29 January 2020, there was a confirmed case of a crew member with the Wuhan coronavirus infection who was working onboard a ship in Singapore waters.

The coronavirus has infected 17,200 people in China with 361 deaths reported.

Read all Seatrade Maritime News coverage on the impact of the coronavirus on shipping