Amid coronavirus pandemic and the crew change matter that has arise, Djibouti carried out its first repatriation process in order to get back home the seafarers who have been stranded by the outbreak.
According to Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Authority, 18 Ukrainians and one Russian, onboard the M/V Mirela boat, under the Cypriot flag, have now been reunited with their families after over a year at sea.
“The crew transfer, which included sailors replacing them who had arrived by air – took less than two days. The country is ready for more changeovers”.
…Aboubaker Omar Hadi, chairman of the government’s Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Authority, told Reuters.
What is more, Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Authority coordinated the crew change operation and put in place the logistics for the transfer of the seafarers – both the crew returning to land and the relief crew – between the port of Djibouti and their home countries.
Additionally, the operations will continue to happen over the following days. In fact, it is estimated that 400.000 seafarers are stranded on sea or land at the moment due to the coronavirus bans on international travel that have been put in place around the world.
In light of the above, Philippines opened the first “Green Lane” to facilitate free movement and safe travel across borders for seafarers in Asia. Namely the circular which took effect within signing, ensures and allows seafarers to safely travel for crew swift or repatriation during the outbreak.
Is there any ban on crew change in Djibouti at the moment?