Gjertrud-Maersk

As the attacks by the Houthi militia in the Red Sea continud, the shipping company Maersk has instructed four container ships to sail through the Suez Canal again and then take the long route around Africa to Asia, to avoid possible attacks by the rebels. Affected were the "Maersk Genoa", "Maersk Londrina", "Ebba Maersk" and "Gjertrud Maersk", which have been lying south of the Saudi Arabian port of Jeddah in the Red Sea for the past few days due to attacks from Yemen. They will be rerouted around the Cape of Good Hope, according to Maersk's schedule. A fifth ship, the 'Maersk Utah', which is also in the area, has not yet been diverted, but it will not go past Yemen, according to the company.

Five of the seven crew members of the 'Gjertrud Maersk' who have been suspected of having been infected with Covid-19 have been tested positive in Ningbo on March 30. Four crew members were infected but without symptoms. The other two have been tested negative. The hospitalized seafarers were all in stable condition. The affected crew members of the 'Gertrud Maersk' became ill last week and were therefore isolated on the ship. On March 26, the ship docked at Ningbo, where they were admitted and tested for Covid-19. The ship had been waiting to be phased in to Maersk's route network. Extra measures will now be taken in connection with the replacement of the crew and hygiene on the ship.

Several crew members of the 'Gjertrud Maersk' cwere evacuated from the ship and hospitalized for treatment after experiencing coronavirus-like symptoms. The symptoms were confirmed on March 23, and they were immediately isolated. Maersk was still awaiting the official report from the authorities as well as from the hospital. The ship was currently idle at Ningbo. Maersk maintained a close dialogue with local government authorities, as well as with port authorities, who were assisting in dealing with the situation. Additional precautionary measures will be taken for the replacement of the crew, as well as sanitary measures.