Asian Shipowners’ Association (ASA) held its annual general meeting virtually on 18th May 2021, focusing on the continuing difficulties of crew changes of seafarers.
Crew change
As the Chairman of ASA Seafarers’ Committee, Han Chao, urged all governments to implement the UN Resolution, thereby providing seafarers with access to COVID-19 vaccination at the earliest opportunity, respecting their fundamental rights under the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC 2006).
Now is the time that the whole world recognise the importance of seafarers who are the unsung heroes always exposing themselves to all kind of adversities to make the world trade go round
In addition, Chairman of ASA Ship Insurance and Liability Committee, Richard Hext, noted that it is especially disappointing to see cases of prominent ship charterers, including some who have publicly voiced support for seafarers, demanding the inclusion of “no-crew change” clauses in their charterparties or voyage instructions.
Furthermore, regarding the recent supply chain congestion issues, ASA acknowledged concerns raised by governments, shipper groups and other parties. ASA specifically noted that various issues occurred, especially in the liner sector, such as an unexpected surge and concentration in demand, customers’ difficulties in booking a space, terminals congestions and shortage of available containers. As for the grounding incident, ASA will keep close watch on the developments of the ongoing situation.
Hong Kong Convention (HKC)
As far as HKC is concerned, ASA reaffirmed the need to urgently expand the HKC compliant to sustainably promote environmentally sound ship recycling.
It is essential to continue motivating China and Bangladesh to sign up for this important convention and encourages the Asian shipowners to promote usage of HKC compliant yards, for boosting an early enactment of the HKC
Chairman of ASA Ship Recycling Committee, Ron Huang, explained.
Shipping decarbonisation
Moving on the topic of decarbonization, Chairman of ASA Safe Navigation and Environment Committee, Caroline Yang, expressed her hope that the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee will continue its work at the upcoming 76th session (MEPC 76) in June 2021.
As she said, one of the most important items on the agenda will be the development of the proposed International Maritime Research and Development Board (IMRB), which is currently co-sponsored by ten IMO Member States and eight industry associations.
The IMRB will provide up to US$6 billion in funds contributed by the shipping industry to identify, develop and demonstrate the fuels and technologies of the future that will allow international shipping to decarbonise in line with ambitious targets set by the IMO and consistent with the Paris Agreement.
