Page 13 - INTERCARGO - Annual Report Report 2021 - 2022

Seafarers and bulk shipping suffering

from ‘long COVID’

As we move to a post-COVID agenda, the legacy of the last two years is still with us.

The shipping industry continues to face its own version of The situation is ongoing and requires pan industry com-
‘long COVID’, with continued crew shortages, and ongoing mitment. The efforts of INTERCARGO and its members to
lock-downs in Asia restricting crew change and affecting highlight the plight of the seafarer must not stop, and the in-
shore leave for crews. With bulkers making up more than dustry must never consider what is happening to seafarers
40% of the world fleet, the bulk shipping sector is bearing today in any way normal.
the brunt of this disruption. Whilst UNCTAD suggests that
The Association urges consideration by national govern-
the long term health risks of COVID-19 seem to be receding,
ments at the highest level for the issue to remain at the top
and the world is now preparing for a major cost-of-living cri-
of their agenda.
sis, INTERCARGO is concerned that the impact of this ‘long
COVID’ could impact the transportation of bulk cargoes. Please also refer to INTERCARGO’s relevant public com-
munications over the last 12 months
Bulk carriers provide employment to more than 350,000
(https://www.intercargo.org/news/category/media-releases/) :
seafarers annually, often delivering a significant income to
households in areas with high rates of unemployment. Sea- • September 13, 2021 : “2021 Dry Bulk Shipping video:
farers are the true heart of global shipping, and as demon- “Sustainably serving the world’s essential needs”
strated during the COVID-19 pandemic, they are key work-
• September 30, 2021: “World Maritime Day 2021: Sea-
ers, playing a vital role in ensuring the flow of essential
farers: at the core of shipping’s future”
goods.
• October 19, 2021: “Time to recognise the value of the
Seafarers worldwide continue to face major issues with
dry bulk sector says INTERCARGO”
crew change, port entry and changing vaccination require-
ments. New waves of infection continue to affect ports, and • April 6, 2022: “Time for Reflection at INTERCARGO’s
once again we are seeing local authorities creating their Spring Semi-Annual Meetings”
own interpretation of the rules. This is happening today at
• May 30, 2022: “Shipping Industry Suffering from ‘Long
ports around the world, and governments and administra-
COVID’ says INTERCARGO”
tions seem not to have learned the lessons of the past two
years, as they move to a post-COVID agenda. • June 23, 2022: “2022 Day of the Seafarer: Share your journey”

For more information on this topic please visit:
intercargo.org/operational-considerations-for-managing-covid-19-cases-on-board-ships 11