Omicron variant poses new challenge to Crew Changes
The Omicron variant of the Covid-19 is causing havoc in the shipping industry as several countries tighten border restrictions affecting crew changes.
Several nations have reimposed varying degrees of travel restrictions in the wake of the discovery of the omicron strain of coronavirus.
Singapore has barred the entry of vessels from Africa where the variant is believed to have originated. Hong Kong meanwhile now has 44 countries on its ‘high risk list’, meaning ships that have called at these nations 21 days or less to arrival at the Chinese city will not be allowed to carry out crew change.
Philippine authorities are also preparing for the possible impact of the Omicron COVID-19 variant. That’s despite the lower infection rate currently being reported in the country and an aggressive vaccination campaign.
"The unhampered vaccination drives and physical distancing measures appear to be effective…. We are hopeful that should these positive results prevail, IATF will allow more inbound passengers to ease up flights costs to the Philippines,” said ALMA Maritime Group Founding-member and Trustee lawyer Iris Baguilat said.
Here’s a roundup on the current crew changes situation in parts of the world.
| COUNTRY | CREW CHANGE ALLOWED | INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS |
| Netherlands | Yes | Yes |
| Germany | Subject to screening and approval | Yes |
| China | Subject to screening and approval | Limited |
| United States | Yes | Yes |
| Belgium | Yes | Yes |
| Russian Federation | Yes | Yes |
| UK | Yes | Yes |
| Spain | Yes | Yes |
| Norway | Yes | Yes |
| Republic of Korea | Subject to screening and approval | Yes |
| Vietnam | Subject to screening and approval | Limited |
| Papua New Guinea | Subject to screening and approval | Yes |
| Madagascar | No | No |
| Vietnam | Subject to screening and approval | Limited |
| Singapore | Subject to screening and approval | Yes |
| UAE | Yes | Yes |
| South Africa | Subject to screening and approval | Limited |
| Australia | Subject to screening and approval | Limited |
| Hong Kong | Subject to screening and approval | Limited |
| Cayman Island | No | No |
| Argentina | No | Yes |
| Morocco | No | No |
| Cambodia | No | Yes |
| Brunei | No | Yes |
| Taiwan | No | Yes |
| Palau | No | Limited |
| Solomon Islands | No | No |
| Marshall Islands | No | No |
| Fiji | No | Limited |
| Japan | Subject to screening and approval | Limited |