Dutch shipowner Vroon has extended its ban on crew changeovers during the coronavirus pandemic, but has won support for the measures from at least one vessel.

The company had originally barred shift changes for two weeks on its 146 tankers, offshore ships, container vessels and car carriers from 16 March.

"I regret to inform you that we now have to extend this period for a further two weeks, until 15 April 2020," chief executive Herman Marks wrote to seafarers.