The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) have jointly urged governments to take immediate action to facilitate crew change flights for seafarers, whose wellbeing has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Each month, around 100,000 seafarers undergo crew changes, but stringent travel restrictions instituted by governments have left many stranded on ships for extended periods, leading to serious safety and mental health issues.
ICS Secretary General Guy Platten emphasized the critical role of seafarers during the pandemic, describing them as “unsung heroes” that keep global supply chains operational. He asserted that while the shipping industry is collaborating with airlines to find solutions, governmental support is essential to ensure seafarers can return home and be replaced by new crew members who are prepared to take over their duties.
To facilitate safe crew changes, the ICS and IATA are advocating for governments to designate a limited number of airports best suited for this purpose. They propose that these priority airports should be located near key shipping lanes and connected to major seafarer countries, including China, India, the Philippines, and various destinations in Europe.
Furthermore, the current health and immigration screening protocols have been identified as barriers to effective crew changes. Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and CEO, noted that airlines have drastically reduced passenger flights to combat COVID-19. However, if governments designate specific airports for seafarers and adjust health and immigration protocols accordingly, airlines could continue to facilitate vital logistics for global trade.
Overall, the ICS and IATA are appealing for collaborative efforts between governments and the aviation sector to ensure seafarers can seamlessly transition from one crew to another, thereby maintaining the flow of goods and services worldwide.
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