New IMO COVID-19 recommendations issued

A list of recommendations for governments and relevant national authorities on the facilitation of maritime trade during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has been presented to IMO, by BIMCO, ICS and other industry partners.

The recommendations address: access to berths in ports, measures to facilitate crew changes in ports, measures to facilitate port operations, and measures to ensure health protection in ports, among other issues. They have now been issued to all IMO member states via an IMO Circular Letter.

Angus Frew, BIMCO Secretary General and CEO, said: “The paramount importance of keeping the supply chain running cannot be understated. BIMCO strongly encourages flag states and port states to make use of the recommendations to ensure ships and their crews can continue to serve the needs of nation states.” 

BIMCO added that COVID-19 prevention methods have resulted in additional limitation of cross border mobility and often obstructions to the essential flow of international trade. But the merchant fleet kept sailing.

Closed borders and restrictions to foreigners have made it difficult to perform scheduled crew change, conduct survey or repair essential onboard equipment, it added.

Classifications societies are now reportedly looking into guidance on remote surveying to keep the ships sailing. Furthermore, various flag states are issuing guiding notes to the industry on flexibility to labour contracts and pragmatic extension to expired certificates.

For more information visit www.bimco.org

7th April 2020