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Unit OT 18-35, Level 18, Central Park Towers, Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai, P.O. Box 18006, United Arab Emirates
16200 Central Green Blvd
GAC Regional Office, Asia Pacific 78 Shenton Way, #29-01
Group Vice President, Asia Pacific & Indian Subcontinent
Unit OT 18-35, Level 18, Central Park Towers, Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai, P.O. Box 18006, United Arab Emirates
Unit OT 18-35, Level 18, Central Park Towers, Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai, P.O. Box 18006, United Arab Emirates
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13 Jul 2020 / Hong Kong
Measures introduced to prevent the spread of COVID-19 have brought widespread disruption to normal crew change operations, with many seafarers prevented from disembarking or joining their vessels.
GAC Hong Kong’s Business Manager – Shipping, Dennis Lee, presents his guide to the current status of crew changes in the country including: where they may be conducted; what restrictions are in place; what requirements must be met; and how many changes GAC Hong Kong has handled to date.
What challenges and restrictions do shipowners/operators face when arranging crew changes in Hong Kong, and how have your local contacts helped to ease the situation?
The situation may change rapidly in accordance as the local situation evolves and additional cases – either imported or local – are reported. GAC Hong Kong is providing updated information to our customers to keep them up to speed with the changes to arrangements.
Due to a large number of vessels arriving for crew changes, Hong Kong Anchorage is now fully occupied and every day there are 20-30 vessels lining up to enter the anchorage, with a waiting time of about 2-3 days.
Owners / ship manning companies also face challenges in getting flight tickets for the crew members who are flying home.
How many crew change operations have you successfully executed since COVID-19 lockdowns started?
Over 500 crew members have been successfully completed since the COVID-19 lockdown in March. Generally, customers have been happy and complimented GAC Hong Kong on our good services and arrangements to get their crew back home after a long stay onboard.
There is great uncertainty around the COVID-19 pandemic; how long it will last, and what its impact will be. How are you managing this from a crew change and lay-ups perspective? What are your expectations for the coming months?
It is still uncertain how long the COVID-19 pandemic will last. There is concern about the possibility of another outbreak as people start to relax with regards to personal hygiene and protective measures after some time. The government may launch further restrictions to travelling if/when the number of community cases goes up.
Is there anything else you wish to add?
Our operations staff are facing high risks in the line of duty when handling arriving/departing crew who have not been tested for COVID-19. We therefore provide them with all the necessary protection gear to keep their exposure to the virus minimal.
For the latest updates about COVID-19 status/measures and the impact on shipping, including crew changes, in countries around the world, go to www.gac.com/coronavirus.