The International Group has today launched a new publicly accessible online digital tool to assist shipowners, charterers, operators and other parties in the maritime sector track country and port specific advice around the world, detailing the measures being put in place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These are uncertain times as the COVID-19 pandemic has created unique challenges for the industry and society at large.
It is important that the most up to date and relevant information on COVID-19 measures taken in different jurisdictions are available and accessible via a single source and in an easy to use format. As such, this interactive tool will allow parties to identify commercial risks and physical threats to shipping around the world and provide live updates as to the number of confirmed cases of the virus, countries at risk and what to look out for. The tool sources data from all 13 International Group Clubs, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), World Health Organization (WHO) and other leading sources (including Wilhelmsen and GAC), which can also assist ships with chartering, operations and help prepare staff for what to expect when arriving in port.
In response to the current coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, this Guidance has been produced by the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) to support all types of ships which operate in international waters. The purpose is to help shipping companies follow advice provided by United Nations agencies including the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO), as well as the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).
The fifth International Group Conference for P&I Correspondents was held at the QEII Conference Centre in London on 24-26 September 2017. This proved to be the most popular conference to date, with approximately 560 correspondents attending from 100 countries, as well as more than 100 staff from International Group Clubs.
The first locally transmitted case of the Zika virus was detected in Singapore last month, resulting in some ports requiring ships arriving from this area to provide evidence of their mosquito eradication measures.
The International Chamber of Shipping have produced a guide aimed at Shipping Companies and Crews on preparing for compliance with the 2020 'Global Sulphur Cap'.
