Following China’s decision to suspend the purchases and the offload of Australian coal back in October 2020, the region now plans to allow some stranded Australian coal shipments to unload despite the ban.
According to Bloomberg agency, this action doesn’t mean China is loosening its ban on Australian coal imports, while it’s uncertain if the deliveries will be cleared by customs.
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As further explained, some ships may be allowed to change crews and the move may be viewed as a humanitarian gesture intended to show goodwill to countries including India, which have seafarers stranded on the vessels.
As shipping data compiled by Bloomberg showed, approximately 61 bulk carriers are waiting to discharge Australian coal outside Chinese ports.
In light of the situation, the vessels and crew, some of which have been in limbo for months, have been trapped between authorities who will not let them unload and buyers who will not let them leave.
Overall, UK Defense Club has issued FAQs on legal issues arising from delays in discharging Australian coal in China.
