The International Group of protection and indemnity clubs has called on the IMO to allow sick seafarers access to shore as claims start to mount.
The call comes as an increasing number of seafarers are found to be suffering from coronavirus infection while at sea.
As TradeWinds reported earlier, five seafarers have tested positive for Covid-19 in China on Maersk Lines' 11,000-teu containership Gjertrund Maersk (built 2005). More than 100 crew on the Holland America Line's 1,432-berth cruiseship Zaandam (built 2000), which is currently heading for Florida, are showing symptoms consistent with Covid-19 infection.
The Zaandam has been continually denied access to ports in South America and even ports in the State of Florida are reluctant to allow the vessel to berth.
Nick Shaw, chief executive of International Group, said he wanted to see seafarers designated as key workers and exempt from some of the strict requirements in place at some ports.
Speaking generally about the International Group’s initiatives during the coronavirus crisis Shaw said: “Clubs are reporting claims relating to various crew incidents as a result of governments around the world closing their borders to landing crew members with the virus or symptoms.
“The IG is working closely with ICS, IMO and other international shipping bodies to try to ensure that ports are kept open for vessels and seafarers are designated as key works enabling smooth crew changes.”
However, because many of the world’s leading cruise line operators are withdrawing cruiseships from service, Shaw believes that cruiseship-related claims on the International Group’s members will start to fall.
“To date, the impact is principally on the cruise sector. However, as most major cruise lines are laying their vessels up or suspending new voyages, we don’t anticipate a high volume of new claims,” he said.
Shaw also pointed out the International Group’s 13 members had successfully transitioned to working remotely and are able to operate normally, ensuring that cover is in place for shipowner members.
He pointed out that even the International Group’s key committees have managed to keep going during the crisis.
“It’s business as usual. The International Group’s Subcommittees are meeting by video conference and group work is continuing as far as practicable.,” he said.
