Intercargo: crew shortages 'critical'

Singapore: Speaking as the keynote at this year's International Dry Bulk Review, Roger Holt, the secretary-general of Intercargo has warned on the potential crisis facing owners on the crewing front. 'We are at a critical stage in terms of providing crew,' he said. He cited the expanding bulk carrier fleet, which is set to have 22.4m dwt of net additions this year alone as one of the reasons behind the crew shortages. Also mentioned as contributing factors were the unattractive nature of seafaring these days, the regulatory pressure on seafarers such as the ISPS Code, and the criminilisation of seafarers. The knock on effect is equally alrming, said Holt, as 'there is a lack of qualified shore staff with seagoing experience.' Intercargo is the global bulk shipowners association with 120 members.  [26/09/06]