PortandTerminal.com, July 15, 2020

Hapag-Lloyd has announced positive COVID-19 cases on board two of its U.S.-flagged ships

NORFOLK – Hapag-Lloyd has announced positive COVID-19 cases on board two of its U.S.-flagged container ships.

The German container shipping group said the cases were confirmed on the Philadelphia Express and St. Louis Express, both deployed on its Atlantic Loop 3 (AL3) service. One member on each vessel tested positive for COVID-19, the company said.

“The mariners are quarantined and we are hoping for a speedy recovery. All other crew members on the vessel are being isolated, monitored and will be tested as well,” Hapag-Lloyd’s statement said.

“We are currently evaluating any potential impact on vessel and cargo operations and berthing dates for the subsequent ports of the rotation will be adjusted accordingly,” the company added.

Hapag-Lloyd’s AL3 service connects the U.S. east coast ports (and Houston) and northern Europe utilizing six U.S.-flagged containerships. AIS data shows the MV Philadelphia Express is currently at anchor off Norfolk, Virginia after arriving from Savannah, Georgia. The MV St. Louis Express is currently underway from Houston to Savannah.

“High Uncertainty”

Container stack. Hapag Lloyd container on rail car

Today Hapag-Lloyd reported preliminary results for the first half of 2020 showing core profits above those of the same 2019 period and upholding its guidance for full year earnings.

However, the company said in an ad hoc announcement that the forecast was subject to “high uncertainty” due to risks related to the coronavirus crisis and its impact on the macroeconomy and global shipping.