BEIJING — Around 3,500 Chinese sailors had moved ashore or embarked on ships through relevant coastal ports to change shifts as of April 15, said Li Tianbi, an official with the Ministry of Transport, on April 18.

The ministry has issued a circular in early April to intensify management over sailors on international ships while strengthening the epidemic prevention efforts, Li said at a press conference.

Li estimated that around 10,000 sailors might see their contracts expire and return to shore by the end of May.

The ministry will strengthen coordination with related local authorities to further optimize the procedures, facilitate shift changes by the sailors, and maintain the normal order of international shipping, he said.