NewOcean 6 ceases operations due to COVID-19 cases on board

Palmstone Tankers & Trdg would have to review all procedures before being allowed to continue operations.

Banker tanker NewOcean 6 has been put into quarantine and has ceased all operations until further notice after a total of nine COVID-19 cases linked to the vessel were recorded, the Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) of Singapore reported.

Six new cases linked to the banker tanker operated by Palmstone Tankers & Trdg turned out to be positive.

On 30 December 2020, an Indonesian crew member tested positive for COVID-19 infection (case 58812). Following case 58812, eight more Indonesian crew members as well as one Singaporean crew member were reported to have tested positive on 3 January (case 58948), 4 January (case 58973), and 5 January 2021 (cases 58992, 58993, 58994, 58995, 58996 and 58997).

“The foreign crew members onboard the bunker tanker did not disembark prior to being tested positive,” the MPA said. “The Singapore crew member is a cargo officer who certifies bunker delivery onboard the vessel.”

Palmstone Tankers & Trdg would have to review all procedures before being allowed to continue operations.