As part of China’s COVID Zero strategy, international shipping giants confirmed that crews are required to face a seven-week quarantine. Chinese seafarers returning to the country are mandated to quarantine. In addition, vessels are prohibited from refreshing their crews and bringing on new members for two weeks. Shipowners and managers have had to re-route ships. This has resulted in additional shipping delays and different staff. Many of these large companies, including Evergreen and Ocean Network Express, have informed customers that they are suspending bookings for cargo destined for smaller ports. “China’s restrictions cause knock-on effects,” said Guy Platten, the secretary-general of the International Chamber of Shipping, in a statement. “Any restrictions to ship operations have an accumulative impact on the supply chain and cause real disruptions.” This has prompted shipping operators to urge Beijing to relax its COVID restrictions or, at the very least, prioritize the shipping industry. If not, …