Cargo vessels not immune against port ban
In Australia, Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) recently banned all commercial ships from entering ports in Queensland if the ship, or any person onboard, has been in any country outside of Australia within the last 14-days. Port authorities are obviously considering similar measures. Officially, the existing regulation for international travellers does not apply to commercial cargo shipping.
The Australian government's directives do not prohibit ships from entering port on arrival, though. Its policy, as confirmed by the Australian Border Force, is that ships may enter port on arrival but the crew may not go on shore leave until 14 days have passed since the ship last called at an overseas port.
Cargo ship crews present a minuscule risk of carrying COVID-19, Australians need regular cargo ship calls to maintain the supply of vital imports.
The industry's perception is that lines simply cannot afford not to deliver freight for six to ten days while they wait for a 14-day period to elapse. The global risk is that shipping lines may cease servicing those ports who impose unsustainable delays. (mw)