According to the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), the Coronavirus (Covid-19) has cost the shipping sector $350 million a week with more than 350 000 containers removed from global trade.
There has also been an increase in ships being detained at ports amid fears of the disease spreading.
To mitigate the impact on global trade and seafarer safety, the ICS has announced that it will lead a delegation of industry leaders and business professionals to meet with the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva this week.
Guy Platten, secretary general of the ICS, said that international shipping bodies had a special obligation to ensure the safety of seafarers and the goods they were transporting by constantly adapting and upgrading their safety regulations.
Ultimately the aim is to provide clarity and consistency for shore-side authorities dealing with emergencies affecting ocean crew. – Bjorn Vorster
