An estimated 400 seafarers and roughly 2 million tons of coal are stuck on ships off the northeast coast of China, as a diplomatic dispute between Australia and China verges on turning into a humanitarian crisis. At least 21 bulk carriers are anchored off the Port of Jingtang, unable to offload their Australian coal cargo. Fifteen of the ships have been waiting since June, with the remainder delayed at least four weeks. China customs is not clearing the cargo, and crew is not being allowed to get on or off the vessel, with covid-related protocols being blamed.
