IMPA EventsGeneva DryBühler GmbHPort of StocktonPort of South LouisianaVigan
  • Van Aalst
  • Geneva Dry
  • IMPA Events
  • Port of South Louisiana
  • Bühler GmbH
  • Telestack

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

Dry bulk shipping bares brunt of Panama Canal water level crisis

(Posted on 03/12/23)

The Dry Bulk and LNG segments have borne the brunt of restricted transits, particularly due to their... Read more


CSM announces digital world-first crew Self-Assessment Tool

(Posted on 03/12/23)

Columbia Shipmanagement (CSM) is set to further boost operational efficiency on its vessels, as crew... Read more


Shi.E.L.D. Services selects Spinergie for digitized bulk solutions

(Posted on 26/11/23)

Shi.E.L.D. Services has selected Spinergie as its preferred digitized solution provider to monitor and... Read more


Wellbeing and welfare boost for Indian maritime cadets

(Posted on 26/11/23)

Thousands of cadets and trainees in India will benefit from in-depth wellness training and support thanks... Read more


Sustainable dry bulk shipping solutions in focus at INTERCARGO forum

(Posted on 17/11/23)

As shipping continues its journey to decarbonisation, INTERCARGO will host a special forum in Athens... Read more


INTERCARGO statement on KMAX Ruler attack

(Posted on 13/11/23)

INTERCARGO was deeply saddened and concerned to hear of the reported appalling missile attack on the... Read more


New resources for crews and their support system

(Posted on 13/11/23)

A new-look Wellness at Sea Awareness Campaign for seafarers, their families and shore staff that &ldquo... Read more


DNV and AL Group to cooperate on CCS feasibility study

(Posted on 05/11/23)

Classification society DNV has entered into a Joint Development Project (JDP) with AL Group and its... Read more


DNV and Samsung collaborate on ROC for autonomous ships project

(Posted on 31/10/23)

Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) and leading classification society DNV have inked a Memorandum of Understanding... Read more


WISTA AGM ratifies new definition of diversity and equity

(Posted on 31/10/23)

WISTA International, during its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Montevideo, Uruguay, on 25 October... Read more


Van AalstTBA GroupSailors SocietyCimbriaTelestackTMS Awards 2023
  • Cimbria
  • TMS Awards 2023
  • TBA Group

Subscribe to our newsletter

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