Crew on Two US-flagged Boxships Test Positive for COVID-19

German container shipping line Hapag-Lloyd said in a notice to customers Monday that positive COVID-19 cases have been confirmed among crew on board two of its U.S.-flagged containerships. 

"We regret to inform you that during normal operations of our Philadelphia Express and St. Louis Express, deployed in our Atlantic Loop 3 (AL3) service one member of each vessel’s crew tested positive for COVID-19." it 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 said it is evaluating any potential impact on vessel and cargo operations, and that berthing dates for the subsequent ports of the AL3 rotation will be adjusted accordingly.

AIS ship tracking data shows Philadelphia Express is currently at anchor off Norfolk, Va., and St. Louis Express is sailing off the east coast of Florida en route from Houston to Jacksonville, Fla.