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The Vital Importance of Crew Personnel in Supply Chains

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The “seafarers” are a fundamental component in supply chains. They are often overlooked despite being the personnel that make up the crews of merchant ships, who play an essential role in ensuring the uninterrupted flow of goods and merchandise worldwide.

Today, we will delve into the critical importance of these essential workers, the tasks they perform, and why their recognition as such is fundamental.

But first:

Who are Seafarers?

The term “seafarers” refers to individuals who work aboard maritime vessels, including cargo ships, tankers, container ships, and more. These professionals perform a variety of roles and responsibilities vital to the efficient operation of the maritime industry and, therefore, to global trade.

Key Tasks of Seafarers

Merchant ship crews perform a wide range of tasks, ranging from navigation and vessel maintenance to cargo loading and unloading. Some of the most common responsibilities include:

 

  • Navigation and safe operation of the ship.
  • Maintenance and repair of the vessel and its equipment.
  • Supervision and execution of loading and unloading procedures.
  • Compliance with maritime regulations and safety protocols.
  • Collaboration with other parts of the supply chain to ensure timely delivery of goods.

 

Who are Essential Workers in Supply Chains

Even five years after the COVID-19 pandemic, the critical importance of essential workers in all industries has been highlighted, and seafarers are no exception. During times of crisis and disruption, these professionals continue to operate in challenging conditions to ensure that crucial supplies reach their final destination. Their dedication and sacrifice are crucial to keeping the global economy running and meeting the basic needs of the population.

 

Recognition and Protection of Crew Personnel

Currently, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has been actively involved in the ninth meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body for a World Health Organization (WHO) instrument on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response, which took place from March 18 to 28 at WHO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.

During this meeting, Mr. Jan de Boer, Senior Legal Officer of the IMO, highlighted the crucial importance of recognizing seafarers as essential workers, given their critical role in the supply chain at all times. This includes:

  • Protecting the welfare and safety of seafarers.
  • Providing access to adequate personal protective equipment.
  • Facilitating their movement across borders during emergencies and global crises.

Within the framework of these negotiations, WHO Member States are discussing the content of a draft text for the new instrument. It is expected that this draft WHO Agreement on Pandemics will be finalized during the course of these negotiations.

Merchant ship crew personnel play a vital role in the efficient management of global supply chains. Their work ensures the timely and safe delivery of essential goods and merchandise, even in the face of extraordinary challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognizing and safeguarding these essential workers is crucial to preserving the stability and optimal functioning of the global economy.

 

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The Red Sea Challenge and Its Impact on Global Maritime Transport

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For decades, the Red Sea has served as a vital maritime artery linking the Indian Ocean to the Mediterranean via the Suez Canal, facilitating global trade. However, recent years have witnessed a surge in instability within the region, primarily due to escalating attacks by Houthi militants in Yemen. Consequently, the majority of shipping companies and logistics operators have opted to circumvent this route altogether.

The mounting instability in the Red Sea stems largely from intensified assaults by Houthi militants, who have increasingly targeted vessels traversing the area. In response, numerous companies in the maritime sector have implemented precautionary measures to safeguard their vessels and crews, including rerouting ships towards southern Africa. Compounded by the involvement of both regional and international stakeholders in the conflict and ongoing geopolitical tensions, the situation has become markedly complex, raising serious concerns regarding the safety of maritime operations throughout the region.

 

Importance of the Red Sea in Global Trade

The Red Sea is one of the main navigation routes for the transportation of goods between Asia, Europe, and Africa. The Suez Canal, which is part of this route, is a vital artery that allows ships to avoid the long and costly route around the southern tip of Africa, significantly shortening transit times and shipping costs. Additionally, the Red Sea is crucial for the supply of oil and natural gas, as many of the world’s major energy producers are located in the Persian Gulf region.

 

Impact on Global Maritime Transport

The avoidance of transits through the Red Sea has had a significant impact on global maritime transport and the international supply chain. Shipping companies and logistics operators have been forced to reevaluate their routes and take measures to mitigate the risks associated with instability in the region. This has led to an increase in shipping costs and raised concerns about congestion and delays at destination ports.

 

Other Key Maritime Routes

While the Red Sea is one of the most important maritime routes, there are other crucial passages that connect major production and consumption centers around the world. The Strait of Malacca, separating the Malay Peninsula from the island of Sumatra in Indonesia, is another vital route for global trade, especially for the transportation of oil and manufactured goods between Asia and the rest of the world. Additionally, the Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf is a strategic passage for the transportation of oil and natural gas from the Gulf region to international markets.

 

Reuters compiled responses from several industry players facing this new disruption affecting maritime transport. Here is a summary of the actions taken by some companies:

 

  • MSC: Decided on December 16 that its vessels would avoid transiting through the Suez Canal.

 

  • Maersk: Suspended transit through the Red Sea until “the foreseeable future” on January 5. Subsequently, on February 8, it noted that container shipping overcapacity would impact earnings more than expected this year and warned of prolonged disruptions in the Red Sea until the second half of the year.

 

  • CMA CGM: Has suspended most of its itineraries through the Red Sea, although it continues to send some shipments in specific cases when French navy escorts are possible.

 

  • Hapag-Lloyd: Announced on January 22 that it would continue sailing its vessels through Africa until further notice.

 

  • Evergreen: Decided on December 18 that its vessels in regional services to ports in the Red Sea would sail to nearby safe waters, while vessels scheduled to pass through the Red Sea would be diverted around Africa.

 

  • Ocean Network Express (ONE): Announced on December 19 that it would divert vessels from the Red Sea to the Cape of Good Hope or temporarily suspend trips and move to safe zones.

 

  • HMM: Ordered on December 19 that its vessels, which would normally use the Suez Canal, be diverted through southern Africa.

 

  • Yang Ming: Decided on December 18 to divert vessels sailing through the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden via the Cape of Good Hope for the next two weeks.

 

  • Tailwind Shipping Lines: Reported in December that, for now, it was sailing through Africa.

 

  • Nippon Yussen: Suspended navigation for all vessels it operates, according to a spokesperson to Reuters on January 16.

 

  • Diana Shipping: The shipping company’s vessels avoid the Suez Canal due to disruptions in the area.

 

  • Klaveness Combination Carriers: Announced it will not trade any of its vessels through the Red Sea until the situation improves.

 

Euronav, Frontline, Hafnia, Torm, Gram Car Carriers, Hoegh Autoliners, and Wallenius Wilhelmsen have also taken similar measures to avoid the Red Sea until further notice.

 

The situation in the Red Sea poses a significant challenge for global maritime transport and underscores the importance of stability in key maritime routes. As the region continues to face challenges, the goal of companies and governments is to work together to find solutions that ensure the safety and efficiency of international maritime transport.

 

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Maritime Safety: Keys for the Prevention and Management of Fires on Container Ships

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Fires on container ships pose a significant threat to maritime safety. Recognizing this issue, experts from around the world have gathered at the headquarters of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London to enhance strategies for prevention, detection, and containment of these incidents.

The Importance of Formal Safety Assessment in Maritime Safety

In an effort to strengthen safety and mitigate risks, a critical meeting of the Expert Group on Formal Safety Assessment (FSA) has been conducted to examine and review the CARGOSAFE study. This study is essential in assessing the risks associated with fires in the cargo spaces of container ships.

The CARGOSAFE Methodology and Its Impact

CARGOSAFE focuses on measuring the effectiveness of preventive and firefighting measures on container ships. The methodology follows IMO guidelines and adopts a holistic approach to address risks, emphasizing prevention and mitigation.

The Role of Experts in Maritime Safety

Approximately 25 specialists, under the leadership of Koichi Yoshida (Japan) and Therese Christensen (Denmark), have evaluated whether the study complies with updated FSA guidelines, ensuring that the recommendations are robust and practical.

Next Steps in Fire Safety on Container Ships

The results of this meeting will be presented at the upcoming session of the Ship Systems and Equipment Subcommittee (SSE) with a view to developing amendments to the SOLAS Convention and the SSCI Code. With a target set for 2025, these improvements aim to strike a balance between safety, environmental protection, and operational costs.

The meeting is just one step in an ongoing process to enhance maritime safety. It is anticipated that future sessions of the SSE Subcommittee and collaboration with the CCC Subcommittee will shape the next phases of developing more robust and effective regulations in the fight against fires on container ships.

Safety in Shipping and Maritime Logistics Companies: Why is it Important?

While safety on board container ships is critical, safety in shipping and maritime logistics companies is equally essential. These companies are responsible for ensuring the implementation of safety practices from the point of origin to the final destination.

Implementing Safety Strategies in Maritime Logistics

Shipping companies play a crucial role in implementing safety recommendations. Through the adoption of advanced technologies and personnel training, these organizations can ensure early risk detection and a rapid response to emergencies. Here are some of the few actions that companies can engage in to implement safety strategies.

  • Technology and Innovation in Fire Prevention: Investment in technology is vital for fire detection and prevention in the logistics chain. If companies equip with the latest safety and fire detection systems, it increases the safety for cargo and container ships.
  • Training and Safety Awareness: Equally important is ongoing staff training. Companies must prioritize safety and fire response training, creating a safety culture that permeates all levels of the operation.
  • Integration of Safety Guidelines into Daily Operations: Compliance with maritime safety guidelines is non-negotiable. Logistics companies must integrate best practices into their daily operations, ensuring that safety measures are an intrinsic part of the maritime supply chain.

 

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Source: International Maritime Organization