- Italian shipowners request measures to contain coronavirus impacts.
- The request is for support in terms of contributions and social security benefits amid the coronavirus outbreak.
- The two Italian shipowners’ associations, Confitarma and Assarmatori, proposed to Minister Paola De Micheli during the meeting of 2 March at the Porta Pia.
- The ports of the Upper Adriatic, from Trieste to Venice, have already recorded a significant drop in container arrivals.
- The cruise lines reported a 50% drop in bookings while in the short haul there are cancellations up to 70%.
Italian shipowners request the government to adopt clear guidelines and measures to contain coronavirus impacts, reports Safety4Sea.
Uniform guidelines for social security
Italy’s maritime sector has asked the Government to adopt clear uniform guidelines coordinated at the central level.
They have also requested support for work in terms of contributions and social security benefits amid the coronavirus outbreak.
Measures to deal with coronavirus
The two Italian shipowners’ associations, Confitarma and Assarmatori, proposed to Minister Paola De Micheli during the meeting of 2 March at the Porta Pia.
The meeting was to discuss emergency measures to deal with coronavirus.
Data from Italian maritime association
Container arrival drop
According to data by Italian maritime association Assarmatori, container arrivals dropped in the Adriatic ports.
- The effects on trade caused by the freeze with China will be felt in the spring.
- The ports of the Upper Adriatic, from Trieste to Venice, have already recorded a significant drop in container arrivals.
Cruise lines cancellations
On the cruise lines, there is a 50% drop in bookings while in the short haul there are cancellations up to 70%.
A longer duration will have serious effects both in terms of cruises – where already there is recorded a 50% drop in bookings – and freight transport, reaching the worst point in May.
State finance affected?
Assarmatori pointed out that the present decrease in traffic could also impact the state finances.
“Considering that these amount to 13 billion euros per year, even if only 10% of the ships were “diverted” to ports other than ours, the loss would be 1 billion and 300 thousand euros.”
Measures from Assarmatori
Reimbursement for travelers
The Minister anticipated the contents of a forthcoming Prime Ministerial Decree, expected to feature clarifications on the methods of reimbursement for travelers who have requested the cancellation of their reservation.
Vouchers and not cash
The association informed that these will not be paid cash, but in the form of vouchers for new trips, in an effort to limit the problem for shipping companies.
Anchorage Tax and any Surcharge for goods
Other measures could also include the request from Assarmatori for a moratorium on the so-called Anchorage Tax and any Surcharge for goods on deck.
Emergency committee
Finally, the Minister announced that an Emergency Committee was set up at the Civil Protection department, with the task of carrying out the guidelines that are proportional to the measures established by the WHO.
Did you subscribe to our daily newsletter?
It’s Free! Click here to Subscribe!
Source: Safety4Sea
