Agencies work closely with shipping companies to facilitate safe crew change

MPA has approved nearly 3,000 cases of changes since March.

Singapore agencies have been working closely with shipping partners, seafarer unions, and shipping companies to facilitate crew change in a safe manner, said Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan.

This is done through “safe corridors” as set out in MPA’s Port Marine Circular and the “Singapore Crew Change Guidebook,” he added. To date, MPA has approved nearly 3,000 cases of crew change since 27 March.

Due to recent travel restrictions which bar crew from disembarking to return home, some crew members have worked several months beyond their contracts.

This has led to the international shipping industry threatening to stop sailing unless replacement crew can be brought in. As commercial vessels carry 80% of world trade, this problem can potentially disrupt or even clog up the global supply chain.

“We have gone further and started facilitating crew changes in larger numbers via chartered flights,” said Khaw.

The first flight took place in Changi Airport last 6 June, in accordance with the protocol set out by the International Chamber of Shipping and supported by the International Maritime Organization. There will be three more such chartered flights for shipping crew expected this week.