"We are getting requests for help from shipping companies which would normally employ seafarers of Chinese nationality because crew members are not able to join the vessels due to the travel bans," said Danica managing director Henrik Jensen.

"Fortunately we have so far been able to cover these requests as the increased demand is relative small compared to the large number of Eastern European crew available in the countries we cover. As a result, this shortage is not currently impacting salary levels."

But Mr Jensen warned: "We do see some disturbances in the flow of crew changes of all nationalities due to vessels being idle off the Chinese coast or in countries where travel restrictions prevent seafarers from joining or leaving vessels.

"We are monitoring this fast-changing situation daily and keeping all our owners, vessels and crew up to date with the latest situation," he said.

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