New data compiled by the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the International Maritime Employers’ Council has found that 150,000 seafarers are in need of crew change by 15 May. According to ICS, the current situation risks the safety and mental wellbeing of seafarers.
The number of 150,000 may ‘increase significantly until travel restrictions are eased,’ says Guy Platten, Secretary General ICS. In addition, the continued inability to rotate seafarers on and off ships poses a serious threat to the ability of ships to deliver vital cargo at a time when countries need it most, says the trade association.
‘Globally there are 1.2 million seafarers onboard 65,000 ships at sea. For the past two months crew change has all but completely stopped. This means that crew have not been able to disembark or embark ships at port and terms have had to be extended, but this is not sustainable,’ adds Platten. About 12,000 seafarers sail on ship either under the Dutch flag or led by Dutch companies. 2000 of them are Dutch seafarers, who mostly have officer positions.
Therefore, the trade association urges national governments to grant immediate travel exemptions to seafarers in order to facilitate crew change.
Picture by Laurahayes7751.
