A Hapag-Lloyd containership has been ordered to quarantine at a Durban, South Africa anchorage after two crew members on board tested positive for COVID-19, Hapag-Lloyd said in an update.
The two crew members of the MV Montpellier tested positive after the ship arrived in Durban on Sunday, May 17, based on AIS ship tracking data.
As a safety measure, local authorities have ordered the vessel to remain at anchor for a period of 14 days. No cargo operations will be allowed during the quarantine.
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.
Hapag-Lloyd said the Montpellier’s berthing at Durban and subsequent ports of the rotation will be adjusted accordingly.
“We regret the inconvenience caused by this incident which remains beyond our control and is being directed by the authorities,” the company said.
“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,” it added.
