Van AalstViganGeneva DryTBA GroupPort of South LouisianaTMS Awards 2023
  • Bühler GmbH
  • Vigan
  • Port of Stockton
  • Sailors Society
  • TMS Awards 2023
  • TBA Group

Nutritious diet shields seafarers from coronavirus

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

INTERCARGO-member fleets outperform on safety and compliance

(Posted on 17/07/25)

Dry bulk carriers entered with the International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) continue... Read more


NEMO strengthens global role with official status from IMO and IAEA

(Posted on 15/07/25)

The Nuclear Energy Maritime Organization (NEMO) is proud to announce that it has officially been granted... Read more


Industry statement on recent Red Sea attacks on shipping

(Posted on 09/07/25)

ICS, BIMCO, European Shipowners | ECSA, INTERCARGO and INTERTANKO have released a joint industry statement... Read more


NovaAlgoma Cement Carriers establishes new JV with DP World

(Posted on 08/07/25)

NovaAlgoma Cement Carriers Limited, a joint venture between Algoma Central Corporation and Nova Marine... Read more


Julia Ju appointed The Swedish Club’s new Chief Executive in Hong Kong

(Posted on 08/07/25)

The Swedish Club has announced the appointment of Julia Ju as the new Chief Executive and Area Manager... Read more


INTERCARGO condemns attack on bulk carrier Magic Seas

(Posted on 07/07/25)

The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) has condemned the recent armed attack... Read more


NORDEN sells two additional vessels

(Posted on 02/07/25)

NORDEN has announced that they have sold two additional vessels, one Supramax bulk carrier and one MR... Read more


Columbia Group backs Turkey as global shipping leader

(Posted on 02/07/25)

Columbia Group CEO, Mark O’Neil, has paid tribute to Turkey’s ‘resilient and innovative... Read more


Pacific Basin signs MOU to enhance access to green fuels

(Posted on 27/06/25)

Pacific Basin Shipping Limited, one of the world’s leading dry bulk shipping companies, has signed... Read more


Major milestone for nuclear-powered ships as IMO agrees outdated regulations revision

(Posted on 27/06/25)

The IMO has formally agreed to start the revision of outdated regulations for nuclear-powered ships.... Read more


CimbriaTelestackBühler GmbHSailors SocietyPort of Stockton
  • Port of South Louisiana
  • Cimbria

Subscribe to our newsletter

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