COLLATERAL DAMAGE: Earlier this month, media reports emerged indicating that an estimated 400 seafarers and roughly two-million tons of coal were stuck on ships off the northeast coast of China, as that country’s diplomatic row with Australia intensified. A Bloomberg report stated that, at one point, more than 21 bulk carriers were anchored off the Port of Jingtang, unable to offload their Australian coal cargo. Fifteen of the ships had been waiting since June, threatening a humanitarian crisis. During the trade stand-off China has blacklisted various Australian commodities and foodstuffs from coal to lobster.
Earlier this month, media reports emerged indicating that an estimated 400 seafarers and roughly two-million tons of coal were stuck on ships off the northeast coast of China, as that country’s diplomatic row with Australia intensified. A Bloomberg report stated that, at one point, more than 21 bulk carriers were anchored off the Port of Jingtang, unable to offload their Australian coal cargo. Fifteen of the ships had been waiting since June, threatening a humanitarian crisis. During the trade stand-off China has blacklisted various Australian commodities and foodstuffs from coal to lobster.