Third Seafarer Tests Positive for COVID19 on Hapag-Lloyd Ship

Another crew member of MV Montpellier, a container ship chartered by Hapag-Lloyd, has tested positive for coronavirus in addition to two other crew members who were earlier tested positive for COVID19 in South Africa.

As a result of this, the vessel will have to remain at anchorage and will not be able to commence cargo operations at Durban in accordance with local health and safety regulations, said Hapag-Lloyd in an update.

In late May 2020, two crew members of the 2,824 TEU container ship MV Montpellier were tested positive for the deadly coronavirus in Durban during the ship’s normal operations. As a safety measure, the local authorities ordered that the vessel must remain at anchorage for at least 14 days – a measure which is now further extended.

We regret the inconvenience caused by this incident which remains beyond our control and is being directed by the authorities, the company said.

We are continuing to discuss contingency plans and will keep you updated.

Please be assured that we continue to do our utmost to safeguard health and well-being of our seafarers during the pandemic. Seafarers are asked not to leave the vessel in the ports – and are obliged to wear masks during all port stays, the German carrier further added.