Beijing has issued a temporary waiver for maritime surveys on China-flagged vessels in domestic trades amid travel restrictions to contain the spread of the coronavirus.
However, the move will provide little help for companies facing problems in the international markets.
Many Chinese and foreign shipowners have raised concerns over the difficulties in performing routine certification as find difficulties in travelling to and from China, as well as around the country, as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak.
In a circular published on Friday, China’s Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) said companies that could not complete surveys of their ships and crew on time can apply to extend the validity of certificates.
“All levels of maritime authorities in China would not impose administrative penalties on those who are not able to carry out surveys during the epidemic control period,” the government agency said.
The waiver is expected to stay effective until further announcement from the Chinese central government.
According to the MSA, the reprieve would cover the certificates issued by Chinese maritime authorities and survey agencies for China-flagged vessels in cabotage trade.
This has failed to address the concerns raised by many players engaged in China’s international seaborne trade, though.
Survey challenges
Classification societies, flag states and vetting agencies are having trouble completing their surveys in China due to their own travel policies and port quarantine measures, creating operational challenges for shipowners.
In an open letter to clients issued last month, China Merchants Energy Shipping admitted some of its bulkers were struggling to complete routine RightShip vetting while tankers face trouble entering Oil Companies International Marine Forum’s (OCIMF’s) Ship Inspection Report Programme.
This reduced their employment opportunities with many charterers. The Shanghai-listed shipowner said it was in talks with the Chinese Transport Ministry and shipping industry groups in China to find replacement measures.
Some of the matters are outside of China’s jurisdiction, but Beijing does not appear to have fully exercised its power as a port state to smooth out vessel operations in the Chinese trade.
In a letter to the State Council posted on its Weixin account, the China Shipowners’ Association has called on the Transport Ministry and local authorities to allow vetting personnel to board vessels at Chinese ports without restrictions. The group's members include major state owners –
The industry group has also asked the ministry to hold talks with OCIMF seeking a three-month grace period for China-flagged tankers or foreign-flagged vessels with Chinese crew, if they cannot complete the inspection due to the epidemic.
