China is requiring all ships calling at Chinese ports to ensure their crew have tested negative for COVID-19 if the vessels underwent crew change in the 14 days prior to arrival. This applies to all ships on international voyages, regardless of the vessels’ flag state. The new measure seeks to maintain the health of seafarers on international voyages and prevent COVID-19 from being transmitted through seafarers. Crew members are required to be tested within three days before boarding the ship. Testing must be carried out in institutions designated or approved by Chinese embassies and consulates abroad. The ship agent, owner, or manager has to submit the necessary documents to the relevant port officials two weeks before the ship arrives in China and a copy of the certificate of the negative COVID-19 test results must also be kept on board. Ships that fail to comply with the measures will be denied entry into Chinese ports and may face criminal prosecution if local COVID-19 outbreaks are traced to such vessels. This new requirement is significant an will cause disruption throughout the supply chain.
