Danish shipowners and unions have struck a deal over repatriation of crew and compensation for those marooned overseas.
The Engineers' Association and Metal Maritime said they had entered into an agreement with Danish shipowners association Danish Shipping to solve changeover problems associated with travel restrictions during the coronavirus crisis.
The deal envisions replacement as soon as possible when secure sign-offs and return travel options are available.
The parties have also agreed that those affected on board should have increased free access to internet and satellite telephone use.
The agreement applies to those on vessels classed as "large tonnage" and covers chief engineers, engineers, navigators, catering officers and others on deck and in catering.
"The goal has been to find as fair a solution as possible in a very difficult situation for all parties. For those who are out, our first priority is their safety and well-being, and this is also clearly evident in the first two points of the agreement," said Lars Have Hansen, chairman of the officers' union Maskinmestrenes Forening, which was also part of the talks.
Communication vital
"It is incredibly important that those who are now out and cannot come home have the opportunity to easily communicate with family and relatives, and we prioritise this in the agreement."
He added: "With the agreement we show that we are ready to cooperate in an extraordinary situation like this one."
Hansen said shipping companies are doing what they can to handle the situation as best they can, and that their primary focus is the safety of seafarers both on board and while travelling to and from ships.
Metal Maritime president Ole Philipsen said: "The principle of the agreement is that everyone contributes something. Those who are abroad receive financial compensation when the time off is exceeded by 50%."
In addition, shipowners will pay any quarantine days associated with both outbound and return trips.
He added: "Quarantine days outside the home count as days of service with the usual earning of freedom and possibly special compensation for home travellers."
Negotiations on solutions to the problems of postponed crew shifts began on 20 March and have dragged on due to the complexity of the issues.
Hansen said: "I am fully aware that some will be more dissatisfied than others with the agreement. We cannot make everyone happy, but the goal has been unequivocally to make as many people as possible satisfied."
