Second Covid-19 wave: Global ports slam the door on Indian seafarers

Covid restrictions on one of the world's largest sources of sea crew may hurt India's trade

As the second wave of Covid-19 continues to grip India, the country’s trade may see severe challenges, with several international ports barring vessels from changing crew who have recently travelled from India.
 
A large number of countries, including Singapore, Canada, UK and United Arab Emirates have denied entry of Indian seafarers over Covid-19 fears. “Indian seafarers are at a disadvantageous position due to the ongoing second wave. Due to the restrictions, shipping companies are now preferring to deploy Indonesian or Filipino crew over Indians,” Abdulgani Serang, general secretary at National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI), told Business Standard.