As factories and logistics providers in China limp back to productivity following the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, shipping lines are working as best they can.
Hapag-Lloyd has issued a statement that its offices in China – apart from Wuhan – are continuing to operate with selected staff for critical tasks.
A lot of staff are however working remotely.
The magnitude of the impact on the shipping industry is yet to be evaluated. While all terminals and depots are now open, some are still operating at limited capacity, according to the line. “Furthermore, a trucker shortage remains an issue.”
A recent statement released by the SA Maritime Safety Authority (Samsa) revealed that South Africa was among several countries that had implemented health measures to restrict the movement of seafarers whose ships had recently called in China.
According to Samsa, South Africa currently has two restrictions; (1): ‘vessels whose previous port of call was China and (2): “crew changes etc for Chinese seafarers or those who had embarked in China.”
