‘Take immediate steps’: COVID cases on ships pose trade risk
The Australian Government has been urged to act quickly to address COVID-19 cases on trade ships, amid warnings severe outbreaks could cripple maritime supply chains.
The warning from the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) comes as a second member of the Rio Tinto-chartered MV Aquagenie has tested positive to COVID-19.
The iron ore bulk carrier, which was stranded off the West Australian Pilbara coast for nearly a month, has now set sail for Manila while the infected Captain undergoes treatment at Royal Perth Hospital.
The ship had pushed state and federal authorities into a stalemate over whose responsibility it was to address the ship, with WA authorities claiming that while they would assist in treating COVID cases, the broader issue of where to send the vessel was a federal one.
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