Asian ports tighten quarantine, leaving sailors stuck at sea

Crew members unable to switch shifts in Manila and Singapore

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Some ships have been forced to deviate from their planned routes to change crews.

KEIGO YOSHIDA and JUN ENDO, Nikkei staff writers

TOKYO/MANILA -- Quarantine requirements and other precautions aimed at keeping the coronavirus out of ports have left maritime transport companies struggling to relieve exhausted crew members.

Crew members on 12 large freight vessels have been unable to disembark at Manila's port. The Philippine government has ordered that immigration procedures for the sailors be prioritized, and has designated seven cruise ships for use as quarantine facilities, but authorities remain swamped.

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