ADNOC L&S supports global collaboration to ensure seafarer welfare

ADNOC L&S is the largest and most diversified integrated maritime logistics company in the GCC. The company, which provides logistics, shipping and marine operations, plays a critical role in enabling the UAE’s oil and gas sector and ADNOC’s goal to maximize value from every barrel of oil it produces, processes, ships and sells.

“ADNOC L&S has been engaging with all its partners and customers stressing on the need to prioritize crew health and wellbeing in the face of a global pandemic.  As we gradually emerge from this health crisis, I urge the IMO to lead the dialogue with all stakeholders in our business, including governments, putting seafarers as a top priority. We welcome any prescriptive measures from the IMO to enable crew changes to take place smoothly, with appropriate safety measures so that we don’t expose those seafarers and governments to any additional risk,” he told Seatrade Maritime News.

One year ago, Capt. Mohamed Al Ali said, many people thought that Covid would be over by now, but now it looks as though the virus could stay in our midst for another two years, maybe longer in some parts of the world. Today’s ad hoc arrangements where shipowners use their best efforts to undertake crew changes are well intentioned but more needs to be done, he said. What is needed is a dedicated process, outside of normal travel arrangements, enabling routine crew changes to be undertaken.

Related:Asian shipowners hit out at charterers over ‘no-crew change’ clauses

“Seafarers have extended their stamina, their cooperation and their commitment beyond imagination. We are extremely grateful for their patience, commitment, and resilience in ensuring that global trade can continue. Some of them have been unable to return home for long periods due to extended entry/exit restrictions. We can’t ask for more from them – they need support from all stakeholders,” he declared.

Having spent many years at sea, Capt. Mohamed knows the trials and tribulations of being a seafarer only too well. He joined ADNOC as a cadet in 1996, rising through the ranks to become the UAE's first master of an LNG carrier in 2009.

Capt. Al Ali was speaking to Seatrade during an interview in advance of this year’s Day of the Seafarer on 25 June.

During the conversation, he revealed a range of measures that the energy company has taken to ensure that its seagoing personnel work in some of the industry’s best conditions in terms of health, safety, and environment. “Since the start of the pandemic, ADNOC L&S has taken measures to ensure the welfare of its seafarers. This is an ongoing priority for us as we strive to uphold 100% HSE standards,” he said.

Related:Crew change crisis far from over warn leading ship managers

ADNOC L&S is a signatory to the Neptune declaration, wherein more than 800 global maritime organizations have joined a public pledge to ensure that vital actions are taken towards the welfare of seafarers. He also outlined some of ADNOC’s proactive initiatives in its ambitious decarbonisation programme.

You can listen to the complete conversation on the Maritime Podcast on 25 June Day of the Seafarer as part of the Maritime Online Series.