Hong Kong Shipowners Association (HKSAO) chairman Bjorn Hojgaard has blamed a “few rotten apples” for the decision by several Asian nations to restrict crew changes.

In a letter published in the South China Morning Post on Wednesday, he and Hong Kong Liner Shipping Association chairman Roberto Giannetta stressed the vital role seafarers played as key workers.

“Like other ‘key workers’, seafarers are essential for the global community to fight this battle against the virus,” they wrote.