Letters | Time for Hong Kong to allow crew changes for passenger ships as well
Indeed, we must be fair to the seafarers – our heroes at sea. Many of them have already been serving on ships for almost, or even over, a year without a break. They all look forward with great anxiety to seeing their families and taking a rest at home when their employment contracts expire.
Meanwhile, there are many well-rested seafarers, including young maritime graduates, who have been waiting on shore for months. They are prepared and anxious to join or rejoin their ships to replace tired crews and to earn a living on-board again.
Hence, our government has taken a big step forward in facilitating crew changes for cargo ships. Now, what we need is another helpful step – allowing crew changes for passenger ships, many of which have been drifting around for months without passengers.
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So long as the old crew can go straight to the airport and board the homebound flight, there is no question of mixing with the local population.
With these gestures, Hong Kong will definitely consolidate its role as an international transport hub and a leading maritime centre in the region.
Bjorn Hojgaard, chairman, Hong Kong Shipowners Association
