Nutritious diet shields seafarers from coronavirus
(Posted on 28/06/21)
Obese seafarers are more vulnerable to catching or even dying from coronavirus, studies show, making it vital that shipping companies prioritise crewmembers’ welfare by outsourcing catering management to a specialist.
A World Obesity Federation report found that death rates from Covid-19 were 10 times higher in countries with 50%+ of the population classed as obese. Mexico has the biggest number of coronavirus cases globally – and one of the highest obesity rates in the world. Meanwhile, the UK, where obesity rates are the highest in Europe, has a disproportionate death rate for covid-19 compared with other countries.
The correlation between obesity and the increased risk of contracting coronavirus is a stark warning for the shipping industry, according to Christian Ioannou, Managing Director of MCTC, the international catering management and training provider.
“It’s clear that being obese can make you more susceptible to coronavirus,” he said. “With that in mind, shipping companies have a responsibility to ensure seafarers eat delicious, well-balanced and nutritious food that keeps their body and mind healthy.”
Mr Ioannou’s comments coincide with Day of the Seafarer, held on 25 June each year to recognise the contribution crewmembers make to international trade and the world economy. The theme for this year is a ‘Fair Future for Seafarers’, with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) encouraging governments to support onboard workers during the pandemic. The IMO is also calling for crewmembers to get fair treatment, working conditions, training and safety post-covid.
The best way for shipping operators and managers to support crewmembers’ welfare when it comes to diet is to outsource to a catering management company, Mr Ioannou said.
“One of the challenges for shipping companies is they may not have the in-house expertise or resources to prepare the right meals for their seafarers. That’s why it’s important to hire a specialist, such as MCTC, with the necessary knowledge of nutrition, diet and food preparation.”
Mr Ioannou added that MCTC has a “sincere desire to change seafarers’ lives by transforming the workplace into a happier, healthier place”.
Since launching in 2013, MCTC has established itself as one of the maritime industry’s leading catering management providers. The company’s Catering Management Programme covers everything a vessel needs to feed its crew such as ordering supplies, recipe planning, menu management and health and nutrition.
MCTC also provides a Catering Competency Development Programme, designed to increase standards in the galley through a safe food-handling and nutrition course; onshore upgrading culinary course; trade tests; briefings; onboard visits and crew conferences.
Latest News
New leadership team elected at INTERCARGO
(Posted on 23/10/24)INTERCARGO, the International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners, has announced significant changes... Read more
Core Power ramps up Japan operations as US$500m funding round nears completion
(Posted on 19/10/24)CORE POWER is building the world’s first Maritime Civil Nuclear Programme in the OECD with a potential... Read more
Concern over RightShip's age limit reduction for Bulker vetting inspections
(Posted on 18/10/24)The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) members have voiced deep concerns... Read more
Four Damen Combi Freighter 3850s ordered by Reederei Bernd Sibum
(Posted on 18/10/24)German family-owned shipping company, Reederei Bernd Sibum, has placed an order with Damen Shipyards... Read more
ClassNK’s world first notation for ships using green steel for NYK Bulker
(Posted on 18/10/24)ClassNK has granted the class notation ‘a-EA (GRS)’ to ‘BRIGHT QUEEN’, the bulk... Read more
Veson: Decarbonisation regulations reducing average speed of bulker fleet
(Posted on 14/10/24)Estimated carbon emissions from bulk carrier vessels have fallen by 5 million tonnes, or 2.5%, since... Read more
Danica and IMEQ collaborate for safety and wellbeing
(Posted on 14/10/24)Danica Crewing Specialists has partnered with the Innovative Maritime Emotional Intelligence Centre (... Read more
Unprecedented insight into connectivity and wellness at sea
(Posted on 08/10/24)Unique data is being used to create a series of ‘snapshots’ into the state of the maritime... Read more
Fleet Management Limited appoints Chief Executive Officer
(Posted on 07/10/24)Fleet Management Limited, a part of The Caravel Group Limited, has announced the appointment of Captain... Read more
Caribbean states join together to call for fuel levy
(Posted on 01/10/24)Caribbean states have joined forces to ensure the views of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are... Read more