Amid crew change crisis, Maersk issued a statement highlighting the need of seafarers’ repatriation, while urged relevant national governments to address the situation.
In fact, Soren Skou, CEO, A.P. Moller – Maersk, commented:
“We strongly urge the relevant national governments to address the situation of these men and women and help us establish safe corridors between key countries to keep the situation from deteriorating further. Maersk is committed to helping achieve a solution as quickly as possible to prevent a humanitarian world crisis with potential consequences for safety at sea”.
What is more, Maersk informed that puts on top priority crew changes issue, ensuring that can be done safely, bearing in mind local regulations, travel options and minimal risk to current and future crew onboard and their families.
“These crew changes are much needed as crewmembers reach the end of their contract terms onboard. We are doing everything we can for them to return home safely and for new crews to get onboard.”
“To guide our decision-making, we work with various experts in the different fields, for example we have a dedicated doctor helping establish safe procedures and guiding our crews onboard with telemedicine.”
…Soren Skou added.
For the records, currently there are 6600 Maersk crewmembers onboard vessels and more than a third of them are serving well beyond their contract length and still have no indication of when they can return home.
Apart from the repatriation matter that has presented, Maersk talked about seafarers’ fatigue and mental health issues following their extended tours.
“We have experienced several rejections from authorities around the world to both basic professional medical assistance to seafarers as well as rejection of repatriation/sign off due to their medical condition – both physical or mental in nature.”
“We need authorities to engage with us in a constructive dialogue to facilitate crew changes under the current critical circumstances, ensuring minimal risk to crews and their families as well as the continued flow of commerce around the world.”
….as Soren Skou concluded.
