Standard Club has warned shipowners that the coronavirus outbreak could delay crucial scrubber fittings in China.
But the UK insurer said problems arising with charters could lead shipowners to declare force majeure, which means they would be considered as unforeseeable circumstances that could prevent a vessel from fulfilling a contract.
The club said the delays due to the virus-related extension of Chinese public holidays are particularly troublesome as owners need scrubbers fitted in time for the 1 March carriage ban on heavy fuel oil.
