Port of South LouisianaIMPA EventsTOC Europe 2023Port of StocktonTBA GroupThe Wolfson Centre for Bulk Solids Handling Technology
  • The Wolfson Centre for Bulk Solids Handling Technology
  • Port of Stockton
  • Telestack
  • Bühler GmbH
  • Cimbria
  • IMPA Events

Covid drives demand for crew-change specialists

(Posted on 11/10/21)

Crew change specialists are in big demand from shipping companies struggling to get seafarers on or off vessels because of Covid-19 travel restrictions, an industry figure has revealed.

Authorities around the world have either closed ports or introduced entry measures to prevent potential coronavirus carriers from entering their country – making it difficult for ship owners to get crew in or out, according to Peter Smit, Co-CEO of Boers Crew Services.

The upshot is that specialists like Boers, the Netherlands-based shipping crew transport services operator for Northern Europe, have never been busier.

“We’re moving around 10,000 crew members a year, which involves arranging about 20,000 visas with embassies around the world, and we now have about 20¬¬–30% more customers since this time in 2020,” Mr Smit said. “Leading ship companies are coming to us as they find it too complicated to deal with all the regulations and red tape. They know we’re specialists, so they ask us to handle everything.”

Boers offers an end-to-end service when transporting shipping crew members to and from ports in The Netherlands, Belgium and Germany, dealing with everything from entry visas and Covid-19 tests to medical services, hotel bookings and taxis.

Hans Boers, Co-CEO of the company, said he and his colleagues were used to overcoming any obstacles. “The most important thing for us is to get seafarers who are the engines of the world from A to B – even when embassies are closed. If that happens, we have the contacts to get things done.

“Our job is to find a solution. For example, seafarers need PCR tests in transit before boarding flights. That wasn’t initially happening in some airports, so we brought a doctor into the transit area each day to check the crew. We’re the only business in this field doing that.”

Arranging visas at short notice is a huge headache for shipping companies, which is where Boers comes in. “If you’re a ship owner with 10 crew who need to go to Europe next week, you have little time to get visas sorted,” Mr Smit said. “You have to arrange appointments with embassies, which can take a while. That’s when companies ask us to help, because we know our way round the embassies and have contacts in each one.”

Getting permission from immigration to let seafarers off the ship while in port for a crew change is another area that Boers specialises in. “Good communication and preparation are key,” Hans Boers said. “We speak to immigration before the new crew lands at the airport, to see if they will allow us to sign off the people currently on board the vessel, meaning they can then leave the ship.”  

After organising the visas, Boers books airline tickets for crew members travelling from countries such as China, the Philippines, India or South America to northern Europe via Amsterdam. The company also helps seafarers from these nations get home once their contracts end, ensuring they take PCR tests while in transit so they can board flights.

Latest News

Norden enters Capesize segment

(Posted on 31/03/23)

In line with Norden’s 2023-2025 strategy to capitalise on the most attractive opportunities in... Read more


Maritime leaders to explore ammonia as marine fuel in US East Coast

(Posted on 31/03/23)

American Bureau of Shipping, A.P. Moller - Maersk, Fleet Management Limited, Georgia Ports Authority... Read more


MHSS offers free support to seafarers affected by Turkey/Syria earthquakes

(Posted on 31/03/23)

Although news teams might have moved on to other locations and different crises, for those Turks and... Read more


Oldendorff Carriers announces change of leadership

(Posted on 28/03/23)

The board of Oldendorff Carriers, has appointed Patrick Hutchins as the new President and CEO of the... Read more


Swedish Club boosts management team

(Posted on 28/03/23)

The Swedish Club is looking to the future with the expansion and restructuring of the Club’s management... Read more


Groke brings new situation awareness expertise to One Sea

(Posted on 24/03/23)

One Sea has welcomeed Finnish start-up Groke Technologies as its new member, bringing additional expertise... Read more


ClassNK releases FAQs on EU-ETS for shipping

(Posted on 24/03/23)

ClassNK has released “FAQs on the EU-ETS for Shipping”, an overview and necessary preparation... Read more


New AXSMarine tool helps users visualize CO2 emissions and CII

(Posted on 20/03/23)

AXSMarine, a pioneer and market leader in the provision of advanced solutions for shipping professionals... Read more


Shipzero advances the decarbonization of logistics

(Posted on 20/03/23)

Shipzero is enabling transport and logistics companies to create transparency about their emissions... Read more


Isle of Man Ship Registry joins INTERCARGO

(Posted on 07/03/23)

The Isle of Man Ship Registry (IOMSR) has become an associate member of The International Association... Read more


Sailors SocietyVan AalstTOC Europe 2023TelestackCimbriaVigan
  • Port of South Louisiana
  • Vigan
  • TOC Europe 2023

Subscribe to our newsletter

Keep up to date with the latest global news in bulk cargo handling and shipping