North P&I supports digital COVID-19 tool
(Posted on 14/04/20)
A new COVID-19 Tracking Tool developed by global marine insurer North has been made available as a shared resource to the International Group of P&I Clubs.
The online tool, first released by North in February, was formally launched via the IG website this week. It details the extent of COVID-19 and the numerous response measures that have been introduced in a single digital dashboard, including country and port specific advice for shipowners, charterers, operators and others.
The interactive tool draws on information provided by IG club correspondents worldwide, as well as the International Maritime Organization and World Health Organization. Data also comes from Wilhelmsen Ship Management and ship agency company GAC, while the dashboard includes a continuously updated map of the pandemic’s spread from John Hopkins University.
“Delivering up-to-date information from well-respected international sources, combined with the insights from the P&I club members of the IG, this new tool will help the maritime community better understand and track the extent of COVID-19 worldwide,” said North Chief Executive Paul Jennings. “This can help protect businesses and most importantly safeguard the lives of the seafarers whom we depend upon daily to keep our local communities supplied with essential goods.”
In freely sharing its proprietary intellectual property and information, North contributed to inter-club cooperation at a critical time and delivered on the IG’s ‘collectively stronger’ approach, said Jennings, who is also International Group Chairman. Live updates on the number of confirmed cases of the virus, countries at risk and what to look out for would put stakeholders in a better position to identify commercial risks and physical threats to shipping, he added.
“I would like to thank those P&I clubs and their teams that have led and supported this initiative, which is fully in tune with the IG’s objectives of sharing data and loss prevention initiatives to improve safety at sea and within the maritime industry.”
To date, enquiries made to North related to COVID-19 have focused on the way port precautions and border measures were hindering crew repatriations, and problems in delivering general medical care. Jennings said other early issues to emerge included repair contracts for vessels at shipyards and when force majeure provisions might apply, and bespoke COVID-19 clauses into charter parties. For the moment, the cargo claims situation was “masked”, he said.
Latest News
Wärtsilä and Berge Bulk complete first inline shaft generator retrofit
(Posted on 08/02/23)The technology group Wärtsilä has successfully retrofitted an inline shaft generator system... Read more
Columbia’s plans for digital platform to boost vessel performance
(Posted on 08/02/23)The operational performance of a vessel is set to be boosted with an innovative new digital solution... Read more
Amer Shipping orders two bulk carriers from Concordia Damen
(Posted on 06/02/23)Inland shipping construction yard Concordia Damen will deliver two 'CDS Dry Cargo 110' vessels to Amer... Read more
Swedish Club’s A- Rating reaffirmed
(Posted on 06/02/23)A.M.Best Ratings Services Ltd has affirmed its Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and the Long... Read more
ClassNK issues AiP for jointly developed ammonia fuelled bulk carrier
(Posted on 27/01/23)ClassNK has issued an Approval in Principle (AiP) for a large ammonia fuelled 210,000 DWT bulk carrier... Read more
Baltic Exchange: Will higher steel values mean bulkers hold value?
(Posted on 27/01/23)Investors in middle aged dry bulk tonnage may be cheered by the impact of sustained higher recycled... Read more
NI survey into Straits of Malacca and Singapore shipping traffic
(Posted on 27/01/23)As one of the most important strategic maritime passages in the world, linking the Indian and Pacific... Read more
Ship managers OSM and Thome agree to merge
(Posted on 23/01/23)OSM Maritime Group and Thome Group have agreed to a merger of the two companies. By joining forces,... Read more
Swedish Club announces key management moves
(Posted on 23/01/23)In a pivotal move aimed at further strengthening The Swedish Club’s long-term position in the... Read more
Danica Crewing Specialists adds Indian seafarers to crew pool
(Posted on 16/01/23)International crewing expert Danica Crewing Specialists now has a presence in Mumbai, boosting its recruitment... Read more
