Quarantine measures across the globe are threatening shipments of essential goods via seaborne trade, potentially worsening the coronavirus crisis, a panel of shipping experts have warned.

With the number of Covid-19 patients surging worldwide, governments have been imposing new containment measures at ports and hinterlands without advance notice, seriously hampering crew changes and cargo operations.

In a webinar held by Windward on Tuesday, James Valentine, a retired commander of the US Coast Guard, said preventative measures often not being coordinated is making matters worse.