- ICS joins forces with global national associations to discuss COVID-19.
- The shipping industry is struggling to keep up with the developments.
- Urged for a solution concerning limitations on crew change.
- Economies are facing many challenges as it is a period of change and the pandemic has resulted in market disruption.
- Countries closing their borders and are implementing strict port entries.
Shipping industry is again struggling through rough seas. This time in the form of COVID-19. The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) joins the global national association to discuss the range, reports Safety4Sea.
COVID-19 crisis
According to ICS, it’s Secretary General, Guy Platten is concerned over the challenges faced by the shipping industry due to COVID-19.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been the centre of attention for about three months.
With COVID-19 pandemic as the centre of attention for about three months, the shipping industry is struggling to keep up with the developments. This has brought the seafarers to the forefront of the news.
Solution for protection
Mr. Platten urges the industry to protect the seafarers. He also urged for a solution concerning limitations on crew change, the replacement of one of the ship’s crew members with another one, as they have the potential to cause serious disruption to the flow of trade.
Welfare of seafarers
He urged, apart from ensuring that global trade continues, it must ensure that the welfare of our seafarers is not jeopardised.
Need for international attention
“Although all ICS members are doing a fantastic job at supporting their individual members at a national level, this pressing problem requires the attention of the entire international community.”
Economies are facing many challenges as it is a period of change and the pandemic has resulted in market disruption.
Border closure
He pointed out that countries are closing their borders and are implementing strict port entries.
“The virus is vital, we must ensure that global trade is allowed to continue.”
Seafarer guidance
ICS also issued guidance to assist seafarers on how to manage a potential COVID-19 case onboard.
The meeting on 19th March, was not a ‘one-off’, but the beginning of a series of regular conference calls with our national associations in response to the significant challenge facing
- the world,
- seafarers and
- the global shipping community.
ICS said they want to ensure that all the issues the industry is facing can be addressed together.
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Source: Safety4Sea
