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Crew change crisis and seafarer vaccinations high on associations roundtable agendaCrew change crisis and seafarer vaccinations high on associations roundtable agenda

The crew change crisis and recognising seafarers as key workers were high on the agenda at recent virtual meeting of the Roundtable of International Shipping Associations.

Marcus Hand, Editor

March 10, 2021

1 Min Read
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Photo - Daniel Schludi: Unsplash

The roundtable comprising Intertanko, Intercargo, Bimco and the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) reaffirmed the industry’s commitment to getting seafarers universally recognised as key workers. Also highlighted was the need for a consistent and prioritised vaccination programme for seafarers and the ongoing need to find a solution to the crew change crisis.

Dimitris J. Fafalios, Intercargo Chairman, and chair of the meeting said: “It is time for UN Agencies, governments and global organisations to coordinate a worldwide vaccination programme for seafarers in line with the timescales recommended by the World Health Organisation.

“Government leaders must commit to collective action and take to task their counterparts who fail to appreciate that the welfare of seafarers is not only a humanitarian issue, but that the world’s seafarers are responsible for keeping global trade moving.”

Meanwhile the growing piracy threat to both vessels and their seafarers in the Gulf of Guinea was also high on the agenda.

“Effective maritime law enforcement in both territorial and international waters in the region is long overdue, and enforcement by able and willing naval forces is needed urgently to counter the deadly threat to seafarers,” the associations said.

Related:Singapore prioritising over 10,000 maritime workers for vaccination

About the Author

Marcus Hand

Editor

Marcus Hand is the editor of Seatrade Maritime News and a dedicated maritime journalist with over two decades of experience covering the shipping industry in Asia.

Marcus is also an experienced industry commentator and has chaired many conferences and round tables. Before joining Seatrade at the beginning of 2010, Marcus worked for the shipping industry journal Lloyd's List for a decade and before that the Singapore Business Times covering shipping and aviation.

In November 2022, Marcus was announced as a member of the Board of Advisors to the Singapore Journal of Maritime Talent and Technology (SJMTT) to help bring together thought leadership around the key areas of talent and technology.

Marcus is the founder of the Seatrade Maritime Podcast that delivers commentary, opinions and conversations on shipping's most important topics.

Conferences & Webinars

Marcus Hand regularly moderates at international maritime events. Below you’ll find a list of selected past conferences and webinars.

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