Page 13 - INTERCARGO - Annual Report 2022

ANNUAL REVIEW

Presence at IMO 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/) :
INTERCARGO has been participating with consultative status 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:
at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) since 1993. 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-
The latest position papers / submissions to IMO (co-) sponsored by INTERCARGO are ers, playing a vital role in ensuring the flow of essential farers: at the core of shipping’s future”
as below goods.
• October 19, 2021: “Time to recognise the value of the
Seafarers worldwide continue to face major issues with
2022 until September dry bulk sector says INTERCARGO”
crew change, port entry and changing vaccination require-
15 submission in total to: ments. New waves of infection continue to affect ports, and • April 6, 2022: “Time for Reflection at INTERCARGO’s
• the Council’s 35th extraordinary session (C/ES.35), 10-11 March 2022 once again we are seeing local authorities creating their Spring Semi-Annual Meetings”
• the Editorial & Technical Group’s 36th session (E&T 36), 7-11 March 2022 own interpretation of the rules. This is happening today at • May 30, 2022: “Shipping Industry Suffering from ‘Long
• the Intersessional Working Group Meeting On Reduction Of GHG Emissions From Ships ports around the world, and governments and administra- COVID’ says INTERCARGO”
(ISWG-GHG 12), 16-20 May 2022 tions seem not to have learned the lessons of the past two
• the Marine Environment Protection Committee 78th session (MEPC 78), 6-10 June 2022 years, as they move to a post-COVID agenda. • June 23, 2022: “2022 Day of the Seafarer: Share your journey”
• the Sub-Committee on IMO Instruments (III 8), 25-29 July 2022
• the Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (CCC 8), 14-23 September 2022
• the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 106), 2-11 November 2022

As listed at www.intercargo.org/intercargo-submissions-to-imo-in-2022

2021
16 submission in total to:
• the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 103), 5-14 May 2021
• the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 76), 10-17 June 2021
• the Sub-Committee on IMO Instruments (III 7), 12-16 July 2021
• the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 104), 4-8 October 2021
• the Intersessional Working Group Meeting On Reduction Of GHG Emissions From
Ships (ISWG-GHG 10), 18-22 October 2021

As listed at www.intercargo.org/intercargo-submissions-to-imo-in-2021

For an overview of INTERCARGO’s latest updates in relation to IMO please visit
intercargo.org/topics/imo
For more information on this topic please visit:
10 intercargo.org/operational-considerations-for-managing-covid-19-cases-on-board-ships 11