In light of the COVID-19 outbreak and the crew change crisis that has presented, Denmark will allow stranded seafarers to come ashore and return back home.
It is known, that due to the coronavirus pandemic, approximately 200.000 crewmembers are stuck on merchant vessels, with some being onboard for more than a year.
While many Danes have used the corona crisis to spend more time with the family, many Danish sailors have had to do without family and friends for much longer than usual.
…Business Minister Simon Kollerup said.
Following the above, region’s government along with Danish Shipping, the maritime section of the Danish Metalworkers’ Union and the Danish Engineers’ Association joined forces and found a solution to repatriate crew amid COVID-19 period.
Specifically, seafarers will be granted visas to enter or travel through Denmark in controlled settings, the ministry said, to allow them to embark or disembark ships in Denmark or neighbouring countries.
Anne H. Steffensen, CEO of Danish Shipping, commented:
We have been fighting for a long time to get our seafarers home to their families, so I am very pleased that the government has listened and found a temporary model that allows crew changes. Now it is a matter of relieving as many seafarers as quickly as possible.
What is more, special departments will be set up for them at airports so that they do not come into contact with others, and it will be possible for foreign seafarers to be tested for COVID-19 in Denmark.
“It is an extraordinary situation that calls for extraordinary solutions. We are going to do everything we can to change crews in a responsible way so that the seafarers can come home.
…Anne H. Steffensen concluded.
