SHIPPING line MSC has joined with peers across the maritime value chain to call for action to end the crew change crisis caused by COVID-19.

Hundreds of thousands of seafarers are stuck at sea since crew changes were banned by many governments to help curb the spread of coronavirus. This has led to serious consequences for seafarers’ physical and mental well-being, as well as risking serious disruptions to global trade.

In order to accelerate action to solve the issue, MSC has signed the Neptune Declaration on Seafarer Wellbeing and Crew Change. The declaration defines four main actions to facilitate crew changes and keep global supply chains functioning:

  • Recognise seafarers as key workers and give them priority access to COVID-19 vaccines.
  • Establish and implement gold standard health protocols based on existing best practice.
  • Increase collaboration between ship operators and charterers to facilitate crew changes.
  • Ensure air connectivity between key maritime hubs for seafarers.

Soren Toft, CEO of MSC said, “As we move in to the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic, the health and wellbeing of our seafarers is at the top of our minds.

“The urgent matter of facilitating seafarer repatriations and crew changes is a vital one that needs immediate attention.”

Mr Toft said he also supports seafarers being recognised as key workers and appreciate the valuable contribution they make to the global economy.

“Seafarers and shipping have kept the world moving amid COVID-19 lockdowns and it is imperative that governments give full support to alleviate the crewing crisis and keep trade flowing unhindered,” Mr Toft said.

MSC crewing offices have been in close contact with seafarers and their families to provide support since the issue began. In addition to working collectively through industry associations to improve the situation for the seafarers, MSC has also engaged directly with intergovernmental bodies and officials in certain countries to address specific situations and as a result some have agreed for allowing crew change in their countries and have approved a standard of protocols to be followed.

The company maintains that it stands by its seafarers and “continues to work hard to ensure they are given the support and good treatment that they deserve”.