The widespread coronavirus outbreak has led the world's largest container carrier to suspend crew changes aboard its entire fleet of operated vessels until April 14, a Maersk spokesperson confirmed to MarineLink.
The full statement from A.P. Moller - Maersk is below:
With the continued spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and the extraordinarily fast-paced closing of borders and cancellations of airline services, today (March 17, 2020) we have decided to suspend all crew changes for Maersk-operated container vessels effective immediately and for four weeks until April 14, 2020. The decision is based on the need to keep our crew safe while maintaining operations as normal as possible.
Keeping our people safe is paramount to A.P. Moller - Maersk and given the current situation we can better protect our seafarers by suspending the exchange of crew, as this lessens the number of social interactions they need to have. Secondly, the rapid changes to global travel poses a risk of stranding seafarers in transit, in locations from where they are unable to leave or get sufficient assistance.
Maersk has been in contact with all relevant authorities and organizations and will closely coordinate on any legal or compliance matters to resolve these while ensuring continued safe operation of our fleet.