‘The first concern that clients have that we’re seeing is whether coronavirus gives rise to force majeure event. And then following on from that — depending whether it’s an owner or a charterer — there are questions as to whether a party can perhaps terminate the contract or charterparty,’ says Paul Dean

Non-governmental organisation highlights reports of officers and ratings retained on vessels after sign-off, unpaid wages, contract extensions without informed consent, and crew stranded in foreign countries and having to pay for hotel bills and flights home from their own pocket

Hong Kong must get to grips with the fact that although cutting taxes and red tape is attractive to international business, if it wants to emulate the success of Singapore, it must mimic its centralised maritime planning to keep luring in shipping-associated industries

‘Open ports must have absolute priority. This must now be taken into account in the course of the measures adopted in Europe and worldwide,’ says trade association president

‘Libor is going to be available for at least another year or so. But because the switch needs to be done in a short space of time, there needs to be some prep work in advance,’ says Hoyoon Nam

Friction between the two parties goes back to last year at least, when owners’ requests to comply with certain clauses were met with ‘unsatisfactory responses’