The COVID-19 pandemic has also led to a humanitarian crisis with many seafarers remaining at sea with expired contracts; Now, European and International maritime industry stakeholders urge political leaderships to do everything in their power to promote the facilitation of crew changes by EU Member States and third countries for crew changes to take place without further delays.
In a statement, the European and International social partners for maritime transport (ECSA, ETF, ICS, ITF), as well as CLIA, WSC, IMEC, INTERTANKO and INTERMANAGER, warn that there is no more time to lose. They urge the decision-makers to show political responsibility at the highest political level.
Several industry stakeholders now call all governments to lead by example and:
- Designate all seafarers, regardless of nationality, as key workers and facilitate their movement under conditions that safeguard their health and minimize the risks of COVID-19 infection.
- Ensure that seafarers are able to join and leave their ships for repatriation, crew changes, shore leave and medical attention without impediment.
- Create the necessary conditions for seafarer air corridors from the EU Member States and key labour supply countries.
They call upon the decision-makers in EU institutions and Member States to use the upcoming high-level meetings in European Parliament, Council and European Council and the UK-led crew change summit to show their political responsibility and be of service to the many seafarers who have served the world over the past months.