The industry's response to the critical operational challenges faced in COVID-19 (health regulations compliance)

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has been arguably the single most significant global crisis of our lifetime, and health regulations set by countries have caused enormous disruption to the maritime industry, especially affecting key essential workers such as seafarers, their wellbeing, and global regulatory compliance. The objective of this study is to investigate the critical operational challenges and impacts of complying with arising health regulations considering the current COVID-19 on global shipping activities and to evaluate the effectiveness of present solutions adopted by the maritime industry. This report was completed based on research about COVID19 disruptions, reports, and interviews. The analysis for this study revolves around two areas, Regulatory Compliance and Seafarers Wellbeing. The areas of the impacts identified were seafarers’ health protection, crew-change operations, and safety management systems, in tandem with complying with health regulations globally. Recommendations discussed the concepts of increased digitalization, government and industrial collaboration, to work towards building resilience and support in the maritime operations during the crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic is expected to hit the global maritime trade deeper than any past crisis. The COVID-19 disruption extends varies by regulations, business strategies and maritime operations due to its wide-reaching effects. Henceforth, this report will be very useful to maritime players who may face similar disruptions or possible resurgence of the pandemic as the industry progresses and adapts into the “new normal”.