Bühler GmbHCimbriaVan AalstPort of StocktonTelestackSailors Society
  • Telestack
  • Geneva Dry
  • Van Aalst
  • Cimbria
  • Port of Stockton
  • Bühler GmbH

InterManager vows to source vaccinations for seafarers

InterManager vows to source vaccinations for seafarers

(Posted on 29/04/21)

Frustrated by the lack of progress and slow pace of international efforts, InterManager has vowed to work separately to obtain much-needed Covid-19 vaccines to protect the world’s more than one and a half million seafarers and thereby keep international trade routes open.

InterManager is the international trade association for the ship management industry and is the only global organisation dedicated to representing the ship management industry. It’s members are in-house or third party ship managers, crew managers, or related maritime businesses and organisations.

InterManager President Mark O’Neil declared: “Global organisations have talked their way round in circles and still we are no further forward in providing a vaccination programme for seafarers who are vital in ensuring that world trade and aid continues to be delivered. InterManager says enough is enough – realising that the international efforts have not been sufficient in recognising the importance of the vaccination of seafarers we will now work on sourcing vaccinations separately through legitimate channels to enable our members to vaccinate their seafarers as soon as possible and to support others within the maritime industry to do the same.”

The United Nations has designated seafarers as “essential workers” but so far only 58 countries have followed this directive and are prioritising seafarers to enable them to travel to and from vessels. In addition, vast numbers of seafarers originate from developing countries where the official rollout of vaccinations are hampered by the availability of vaccines, thus compounding the problem.

Mr O’Neil stressed that InterManager will continue to collaborate and give full support to the International Maritime Organisation and fellow shipping industry NGOs in sourcing vaccination for seafarers. However, he expressed his disappointment at the slow speed of international efforts, commenting: “The IMO is hampered by having to negotiate through the United Nations, World Health Organisation and others. Sitting back and waiting for these bureaucratic institutions is only part of the solution.

“The world’s seafarers need our help and as ship and crew managers we must work together to do all we can to ensure that their lives and livelihoods are protected,” he said.

Latest News

Better safeguarding measures needed to support cadets at sea

(Posted on 07/05/25)

Cadets are increasingly struggling to complete their cadetships due to a shortage of available placements... Read more


Algoma focuses on reliable service and fleet improvements

(Posted on 07/05/25)

Algoma Central Corporation has reported its results for the three months ended March 31, 2025. Algoma... Read more


ClassNK releases ‘Prime Shipmanagement Guidelines’

(Posted on 01/05/25)

ClassNK has released ‘Prime Shipmanagement Guidelines’ which aim to achieve sustainable... Read more


MCTC ensures quality remains at top of the table amid global tensions

(Posted on 30/04/25)

In the face of unpredictable provisioning costs, port disruptions, and longer lead times MCTC has reinforced... Read more


NORDEN raises full-year guidance for 2025

(Posted on 28/04/25)

On the back of the increased gains from sales of vessels and good operational performance, NORDEN, a... Read more


INTERCARGO welcomes ILO recognition of seafarers as key workers

(Posted on 28/04/25)

The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) has welcomed the recent decision... Read more


MMS advises why seafarers must remain vigilant about malaria

(Posted on 25/04/25)

Despite its lack of publicity, malaria remains an ongoing epidemic and a perilous threat to seafarers... Read more


Veson: Bulker S&P activity falls sharply in Q1 2025

(Posted on 22/04/25)

Due to market uncertainty, overall sale and purchase levels for Bulkers have fallen year on year, with... Read more


Britannia Group announces CEO succession plan

(Posted on 22/04/25)

The Britannia Group, a leading P&I insurer, has announced that its Chief Executive, Andrew Cutler... Read more


INTERCARGO responds to IMO's decision on GHG reduction measures

(Posted on 15/04/25)

At last week's landmark MEPC 83 meeting, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Member States... Read more


TMS Awards 2023Port of South LouisianaViganTBA GroupGeneva Dry
  • Vigan
  • TBA Group
  • Sailors Society

Subscribe to our newsletter

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