Mediterranean Shipping Co (MSC) said it has resolved a Covid-19 infection among crew on one of its container ships serving northern Europe.
The outbreak happened on the 2,564-teu MSC Samira III (built 2009) and was detected once the vessel had arrived at the Scottish port of Greenock while operating on the Baltic Loop 3 service.
Seven crew members were affected by the outbreak. The infection was confirmed by tests on 12 January.
In a statement to TradeWinds, MSC said it had responded to the outbreak by quarantining the crew.
"The affected seafarers are in quarantine with access to medical treatment if needed. As per standard procedures, all crew on board MSC Samira III are being tested and monitored for symptoms.
A replacement crew is inbound and the vessel is scheduled for deep clean. Once completed, MSC Samira III will resume service and will follow its usual port rotation," MSC said in the statement.
AIS data now indicates the vessel is heading to its next port of call, Liverpool.
There had been some suggestion that MSC, recently recognised as the world's largest liner operator, had been slow in its response to the outbreak.
However, the company spokesman told TradeWinds: "The health and well-being of our people will always be our top priority. Since the beginning of the Covid-19 outbreak, we have implemented robust health protection measures across our fleet and the seafarers who operate our ships," he said.
"In addition, we observe guidance and instructions from local authorities in relation to vessel and cargo operations wherever we go," he added.
