The world’s largest supplier of crew to the international shipping industry – the Philippines – has opened a “Green Lane” for seafarers to allow for free movement and crew change. In a move that should ease the crew of many thousands of Filipino seafarers stranded at sea the Philippine Green Lane Joint Circular was signed on Tuesday, led by Philippines Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin Jr. The joint circular takes effect July 2nd and will allow for the safe travel of seafarers subject to health protocols from the Philippines government. According to government data, over 400,000 Filipino sailors serve on bulk carriers, container ships, oil, gas, chemical and other product tankers, general cargo ships, pure car carriers, cruise ships and tugboats around the world.
