Offshore wind installation contractor Deme has hired a hotel ship for pre-quarantine and crew changes that will be moored in the Belgian port of Ostend to protect employees from the Covid-19 pandemic and avoid the risk of contamination.
Deme took the measure not to replace crews on board the so-called flotel until 17 April, but with the end to the coronavirus crisis not yet in sight, the company plans to change crews on dredging and offshore vessels again after that date.
Returning crews will be kept in pre-quarantine for two weeks on board the flotel. The measure is carried out in small groups and with a strict scenario, which allows Deme to separate crews of different ships until they are transferred to their dredging or offshore construction vessel.
Social contact and activities on board the flotel are strictly regulated, according to Deme.
By using the flotel for pre-quarantine, Deme hopes to avoid the risk that the coronavirus ends up onboard and imperils the health of personnel. This will also make it possible for offshore personnel to take extended shore-leave with their families, the company said.
The term quarantine has maritime origins. The practice began in the 14th century in an effort to protect coastal cities from plague epidemics. Ships arriving in Venice from infected ports were required to remain offshore at anchor for 40 days – quaranta giorni in Italian – before docking.
