Page 23 - INTERCARGO's ESG Review 2024

INTERCARGO ESG REVIEW 2024
COVID-19 AND CREW CHANGES

The shipping industry faces its own version of ‘long covid’, the industry must never consider what is happening to
with continued crew shortages, and arbitrary regulations seafarers today is in any way normal. INTERCARGO urges
in areas around the world restricting crew changes and consideration by national governments at the highest level
affecting shore leave for crews. Seafarers worldwide face for the issue to remain at the top of their agenda.
major issues with crew changes, port entry and changing
vaccination requirements. The waves of infection affected INTERCARGO frequently supports charitable initiatives,
ports, and local authorities created their own interpretation organised by various organisations such as the Nautical
of the rules. Institute and the Mission to Seafarers.

The situation is ongoing and requires pan-industry For more information, you may visit: https://www.
commitment. The efforts of INTERCARGO and its members intercargo.org/operational-considerations-for-managing-
to highlight the plight of the seafarer must not stop, and covid-19-cases-on-board-ships/

Bulk carriers provide employment to more than 350,000 seafarers annually, often delivering
a significant income to households in areas with high rates of unemployment. Seafarers are
the true heart of global shipping and, as demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic,
they are key workers, playing a vital role in ensuring the flow of essential goods.

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