The Singapore authorities have seafarers that have visited China in the last 14 days from coming ashore in a move to combat the spread of the coronavirus, however, vessels can continue to call.

The importance of Chinese demand in the long-haul VLCC sector, and the potential impact of the Wuhan coronavirus, is casting shadows over the entire tanker market.

Australia’s maritime union have criticised what they describe as the government’s “non-existent” response to the threat of the Wuhan coronavirus at the country’s ports.

As the Wuhan coronavirus crisis in China deepens rapidly shipowners have been warned to be prepared to face issues such as quarantine and closures and resulting charter party issues.

In an effort to combat the spread of the coronavirus Singapore has started temperature screening of seafarers and passengers arriving at ports in the country.

The tanker market could face short-term headwinds if the impact of the Wuhan coronavirus outbreak on China’s oil demand is similar to that of SARS in 2003, according to brokers Poten & Partners.