Seafarers on Hapag-Lloyd vessels test positive for coronavirus

Abiola Seun |

Crew aboard two South African services operated by the German carrier, Hapag-Lloyd, have tested positive for Covid-19, with the ships now at anchorage.

The carrier has said it will advise customers of further developments.

A crew member on the Ital Lirica, which is deployed on the South Africa Asia Express 1 (SA1) service tested positive for Covid-19, the line reported on 31 July.

The ship was en route from Ningbo to Singapore, but as a safety measure, it is now at anchorage off Hong Kong.

A second crew member, serving on the Bangkok Bridge, which operates on the South Africa Express 2 (SA2) service also tested positive for the virus on arrival at the Port of Shekou, in Southern China, said the line.

The Bangkok Bridge is also at anchorage now, near Shekou, said the sipping line.

The carriers said in a statement, “Together with our partners, we are currently evaluating the potential impact on vessel and cargo operations.

“Berthing dates for the subsequent ports of the rotation will be adjusted accordingly.”

Hapag-Lloyd also pointed out that, “During this unprecedented crisis , many of our crew members already work much longer than originally planned.”