China has opened 10 ports for crew changes. Shipping companies and seafarers will be subjected to strict protocols, but it is an important step in helping seafarers who have been stuck aboard ships during the pandemic. The ports – Dalian, Tianjin, Qingdao, Shanghai, Ningbo, Fuzhou, Xiamen, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Haikou – are beginning to allow foreign crews to land both for changes and in limited circumstances crew recreation. Each port may take a different approach to dealing with a foreign crew change so those interested in doing a crew change is encouraged to consult their local agents on specifics. China is also implementing a protocol where a shipping company’s foreign crew change operations will be suspended for 15 days if there are five positive tests among the crew or suspended for 30 days if 10 positive cases in aggregate are found aboard a ship. If more than 10 tested positive cases are found, the shipping company will not be allowed to operate until they pass a new assessment conducted by the relevant authorities. For ships who are staying in Shanghai for more than 14 days, if the crew is inspected and found to be negative, shore leave can be arranged, though crew will be required to stay in the local district where the ship is located.
