Hapag-Lloyd informed that one of its containerships has been in quarantine at Durban, South Africa, after two of the crewmembers have been tested positive for COVID-19.
Specifically, the two crew members of the MV Montpellier tested positive after the ship arrived in Durban on Sunday, May 17.
Therefore, local authorities ordered the vessel to remain at anchor for 14 days, while no cargo operations are allowed during the vessel’s quarantine.
The shipping line reported that the vessel’s berthing at Durban and subsequent ports of the rotation will be adjusted accordingly.
The MV Montpellier operates on Hapag-Lloyd’s Middle East India Africa Express (MIAX) service providing weekly direct service between Arabian Gulf, India, Colombo, La Reunion, South Africa and West Africa. The port rotation is Jebel Ali, Mundra, Nhava Sheva, Colombo, La Reunion, Durban, Cape Town, Tema, Lagos (Tincan and Apapa), Cape Town, Durban, and Jebel Ali.
The company added that
We regret the inconvenience caused by this incident which remains beyond our control and is being directed by the authorities. Lastly, please join us in wishing the crew onboard all the best for the days to come and a speedy recovery for the crew members affected.
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