An Oldendorff Carriers baby capesize bulker anchored off the world’s largest iron export terminal has become the latest vessel to suffer an outbreak of Covid-19.
The German bulker operator said 17 crew members had tested positive on the 115,000-dwt Patricia Oldendorff (built 2010) at Port Hedland in Western Australia on Monday.
"We are very concerned about the health and well-being of our crew and those caring for them," the company said.
"We have had excellent support from the Australian Department of Health, AMSA [the Australian Maritime Safety Authority] and the Pilbara Ports Authority. The authorities have been managing the situation with upmost professionalism. Every effort is being made to contain and improve the situation as quickly as possible."
Families have been informed and are being updated daily.
Protocols followed
Oldendorff said there was a crew change on the vessel in the Philippines on 5 September, which was done in compliance with government protocols.
"All joining crew were quarantined in the Philippines prior to joining the vessel," Oldendorff added.
"Approximately five days before joining the vessel, all crew were tested with the viral RNA-PCR test. All tested negative for the virus before leaving the Philippines."
The ship arrived off Port Hedland on 16 September and has been at anchor since.
The master notified the Port Hedland authorities on arrival that two crew were not feeling well.
They later tested positive and further tests were carried out.
"Fortunately, all crew members on board as well as in shore quarantine are feeling well, with only a few seamen showing very slight infection symptoms," the shipowner said.
"The authorities have arranged for a cleaning gang to go aboard the vessel and do a thorough cleaning of all surfaces."
It was earlier reported that two positive Covid-19 cases had been taken ashore in Port Hedland and placed into quarantine, while 12 positive tests were registered.
The transfer was described as “successful” by Australian authorities and the crew have now started their minimum 14-day quarantine period.
Western Australia Premier Mark McGowan said planning is underway to “manage the situation safely” and options are being considered for a replacement crew, if required.
Potential crew replacement
Plans are being put in place with Oldendorff, AMSA and the Pilbara Ports Authority regarding the safety of the vessel and replacement crew if required, TradeWinds understands.
“We would like to reassure the Port Hedland community that every safety measure is being put in place to protect the local community,” McGowan said.
“These crew do not currently need medical treatment, but should it be required, every precaution will be in place to protect healthcare workers and members of the public.”
McGowan said any transfers will be undertaken “with the safety of the maritime workers, emergency services and transport staff, hotel staff and the local community as our number one priority”.
“WA Health has experience managing outbreaks on vessels and will put every precaution in place to ensure the ongoing safety of the local community,” he said.
Port Hedland Commissioner Fred Riebeling told Australian broadcaster ABC that the incident showed that protocols to prevent the spread of Covid-19 "were working".
"The first thing is, how terrible it is for those individuals. The second thing that hit me quite rapidly was that our system of border protection has worked," he said.
"They were identified before they were due to disembark, which is a positive, probably for the iron-ore industry and how it checks people."
Oldendorff acquired the Patricia Oldendorff in April 2018 as part of a four-ship acquisition from companies controlled by Cyprus-based Interorient Navigation Co.
