Germany's Oldendorff Carriers remains fully operational in the wake of the coronavirus, the bulker operator said on Friday.
But in common with other shipping companies, the outfit has stopped shift changes for the seafarers working on its huge 100-plus fleet of bulkers and tugs.
"We are doing our part to stop the spread of the Covid-19 global pandemic," Oldendorff said.
"Many employees are working from home and we have suspended crew changes for our seafarers. In early February, we put in place a company-wide travel and visitor ban to reduce the risk of spreading the virus."
The company also said it has the technology and communications systems in place to continue business as normal "under these extraordinary circumstances".
The virus continues to impact shipping operations worldwide, with operators like AP Moller-Maersk, Torm and Norden halting seafarer changeovers as travel bans bite.
Working practices change
Many companies are trying to repatriate crew stuck in foreign jurisdictions.
Norwegian shipowner Atlantic Offshore revealed government guidelines for crew joining or leaving its vessels in domestic ports.
"An important precondition to make the ships able to sail is that crew changes are carried out while the infection control measures are being observed," the outfit said.
"In the event of an infection on board or crew members working hours beyond provisions on regular working hours and rest, the ship may have to remain stationary and crew members may be dismissed."
Work journeys will be made as smooth as possible provided they help the country bring in cargo or keep oil and gas production operational, the guidelines say.
"When transport has been confirmed and it is time to return, the company will use established routines to get the relevant crew out of Norway," Atlantic Offshore added.
Legal lock-down
Meanwhile, London law firm Campbell Johnston Clark (CJC) said it has adapted its operational practices in response to the Covid-19 situation in a way that prioritises the health of its staff but maintains the service levels its clients expect.
Staff are working at home and all non-essential travel and visitor appointments have been suspended. Video conferencing is being used.
"Our offices in Miami, Newcastle and Singapore currently remain open but will operate in a similar way," the firm said.
French operator Louis Dreyfus Armateurs said it had closed its domestic offices indefinitely.
Meetings off
Annual general meetings continue to fall foul of coronavirus.
Finnish bulker owner ESL Shipping's parent Aspo has cancelled its gathering on 7 April, but its maritime operations continue as usual.
"We follow and control the crew travel to work and during leave," ESL said. "Measures are taken to mitigate risks related to all travel."
And German shipping investor MPC Capital has postponed its shareholder meeting scheduled for 30 April.
Ofer takes measures
Meanwhile, Idan Ofer's Eastern Pacific Shipping revealed measures for its 5,000 staff at sea and onshore.
"We have segregated our shore-based teams, appointed health ambassadors, and created an internal website that serves as a resource on the latest developments and EPS [Eastern Pacific Shipping] policies related to Covid-19," chief executive Cyril Ducau said on Friday.
"As for our operations, we have seamlessly transitioned into a new normal. Business as usual for us means utilising technology...which has resulted in zero disruption to how we manage and operate our vessels."
